MLAC Meets Philosophy: Issues of translation and interpretation when we survey scientific communities

The speakers include three specialist in translation studies, Dr Penny Johnson, Dr Don Starr and Prof Sergey Tyulenev from MLAC; two specialist in language and linguistics from the Department of Philosophy, Dr James Miller and Dr Fintan Mallory; and Prof Peter Vickers, specialist in philosophy of science.

The event is inspired by a research project called 'The Institute for Ascertaining Scientific Consensus', which carries out and analyses international surveys of scientific communities across many different languages and cultures. A Philosophy Department pilot project, which ran in 2022-23, discovered that issues with translation were a major stumbling block, thus calling for a greater consultation with colleagues from MLAC. This seminar will discuss issues around translation and interpretation, particularly when we survey scientists. It brings together specialists in translation studies, philosophy of language and linguistics, and philosophy of science.