Scientific Understanding

1. Why did you choose this topic?

I am interested in the topic of human understanding of worldly phenomena already since high school when we had the topic of wave-particle dualism of light. Already then, I thought: do we know what light is, do we understand it? We have two models, the wave model and the particle model, and they are incompatible, so what do we understand about light? Since then, the topic has stayed with me.

2. What new perspectives does your book offer?

My book offers a new perspective on scientific understanding in elaborating that understanding is an ability, something that scientists possess, but also have to use, to do, and first of all have to acquire. Understanding a phenomenon is not at all straightforward in any sense, but depends on many different contextual factors and requires effort and time.

3. What makes your topic relevant for current research debates?

The topic of my book is relevant for any current research debates that are concerned with the topic of knowledge acquisition, mainly in the scientific context, but potentially also in other context. Furthermore, my topic is relevant in the context of science skepticism. By analyzing what it actually means for scientists to understand a phenomenon will hopefully help to clear up some misconceptions and misplaced expectations about science.

4. Choose one person you would like to discuss your book with!

Marie Curie.

5. Your book summary in one sentence:

My book offers a new account of scientific understanding by relating the debate about understanding with broader debates on abilities, explanation and scientific practice.