Since the mid-20th century, diversity has become a central theme in philosophy of science. Feminist philosophers of science have argued that a plurality of perspectives in research communities improves objectivity and knowledge production. Similar concerns have shaped debates not only in the broader public but also in sociology of science or cultural studies, where attention to diversity has highlighted how social structures and epistemic practices are related and value laden. In recent years, however, the integration of diversity into scientific practice, method, and reasoning as well as in society has come under attack. This shift is visible not only in philosophy of science but also in the (natural) sciences themselves, with controversies surrounding concepts of biodiversity, ecological conservation or the role of microbial diversity. At the same time, global political debates over gender, race, colonialism and cultural difference show how strongly the meaning and importance of diversity is debated. The aim of this workshop is to analyze these developments and to highlight the philosophical and scientific meaning and role of diversity. We will explore the philosophical, historical, epistemic, and cross-disciplinary dimensions of diversity.
Participants: Abraham Tobi (University of Montreal), Phila M. Msimang (Stellenbosch University), Sophia Wagemann (Charité Berlin), David Ludwig (Wageningen University & Research), Sergei Shevchenko (Ruhr University Bochum), Abigail Nieves Delgado (Utrecht University), Dunja Šešelja (Ruhr University Bochum), Rapahel Uchôa (University of Coimbra), César Marin (Santo Tomas University of Chile), Tina Heger (Technical University of Munich), Ann-Christin Fischer (Ruhr University Bochum), Jan Baedke (Ruhr University Bochum)
Organization: Ann-Christin Fischer, Sergei Shevchenko, Vera Straetmanns, Jan Baedke
Location: Ruhr University Bochum and Zoom, 26th–27th March 2026
For more info, the programme, and (in person or online) registration: https://rotoworkshop2026.wixsite.com/diversity