#64: Complimentary Science & the Lure of Convenience with philosopher of technology Sabina Leonelli

Love & Philosophy

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Sabina Leonelli (hosted live here by Fotis Tsiroukis) is a philosopher of science and technology renowned for pioneering work in the philosophy of data & open science. As a professor at the Technical University ofMunich (TUM), she directs the Ethical Data Initiative and leads the PHIL_OS project, which develops empirically grounded frameworks for open science in under-resourced research environments. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges high theory with participatory, on-the-ground research—exemplified by her ethnographic collaborations with biologists and data scientists.

In this episode, host Fotis engages in a deep and wide-ranging conversation with Sabina Leonelli. They explore the intersections between philosophy, science, and society, discussing topics like complementary science, the role of qualitative and quantitative methods in research, the challenges of interdisciplinary work, and the ethical implications of AI and data-driven technologies. Sabina urges us to not fear inconvenience—embracing complexity and discomfort in intellectual and social pursuits. The conversation touches on the necessity of love, vulnerability & collective agency in navigating the modern world, offering profound insights into how we can rethink knowledge production, technology, and politics.

Sabina Leonelli

[00:00:00] Highlights & Introduction

[00:10:41] Interview Begins

[00:11:13] Sabina's Journey

[00:14:17] Fascination with Boundary-Disrespecting Thinkers

[00:16:20] Early Influences & Education

[00:19:21] Challenges of Interdisciplinary Work

[00:20:39] Mentors & Inspirations

[00:23:54] The Approach of Complementary Science

[00:28:37] Collaborating with Scientists as a Philosopher

[00:32:26] Philosophy of Data

[00:36:00] Questions Left Out of Biology

[00:37:40] Coming to terms with Social Epistemology

[00:40:05] Choices & Assumptions in Scientific Research

[00:40:05] Willingness to Engage with the Social Nature of Science

[00:44:05] Willingness to Use Different Methods

[00:48:05] Acknowledging the Role of Quantification

[00:50:27] Knowledge Hierarchies

[00:55:00] Mixed Methods for Global Issues

[00:57:00] Limits of AI: The Case of Medical Expertise

[00:58:52] AI as Complement to Expert Knowledge

[01:02:01] Cultural Obsession with Control & Convenience

[01:03:45] Social Media & Digital Divide

[01:07:20] Regaining Agency Through Politics

[01:12:30] Collective Action & Social Relationships

[01:15:00] Need for Political Engagement

[01:17:20] Contemporary Disillusionment

[01:19:40] Love as a Teacher

[01:22:20] Vulnerability & Human Experience

[01:25:50] Caring as Leverage for Engagement

PHIL_OS Project

Ethical Data Initiative (EDI)

(Book, Open Access)

Data Shadows (Art-Science Film Collaboration)

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