The Role of Values in Science: Queer Feminist Values and Theories of Sexual Orientation

This thesis is about the role that values play in science. I argue that science can benefit from what I call ‘Queer Feminist Values’. I begin by considering feminist approaches that appeal to underdetermination of theory by data in order to argue that feminist values can contribute to good science. I argue that this is an undesirable move for feminist philosophers not only because this sets additional obstacles to furthering the feminist normative claim that feminist values can contribute to good science, but also because this limits the role that feminist values are able to play in science. I then move on to consider two proposals for the role that values can play in science that do not appeal to underdetermination. I argue that while these proposals are certainly more desirable than proposals that appeal to underdetermination, there is room for expanding the role that feminist values can play in science. In order to explore this proposal, I develop a case study that focuses on genetic explanations of sexual orientation. I argue that we should push for legislation that ensures that topics that are beneficial and of interest to marginalised groups get the funding they need and that this legislation should ensure that these groups are included in the research. I also argue that one of the most beneficial roles that values can play in science resides in the choice of concepts that are embedded in the methodology and that this choice will be determined by the goals that one has. To demonstrate this, I develop two different concepts of sexual orientation that are needed for two different goals: carrying out genetic studies and addressing social injustice issues.