Philosophy
The Philosophy chair group focuses on ethical and epistemic issues involved in the relationship of humans with nature, animals, food and agriculture. The group aims to understand processes of ethical deliberation around science and technology in different societal and cultural settings.
Research
We are a leading group in the field of philosophy and ethics of nature, animals, food and environment. Our research strategy is pluralist, pragmatic, and often interdisciplinary, combining normative and empirical approaches.
Our research covers five themes:
- Pragmatist research and deliberation
- Public understanding and communication
- Global social justice and the consequences of technology-use
- Co-evolution between science and ethics
- Ethics in life sciences and knowledge regimes
Education
Education by this Chair Group
Philosophy provides education for Bachelor, Master and PhD students of Wageningen UR and other universities. Professionals are also welcome to participate in our education. We offer courses and supervises theses and internships.
Publications & Projects
Our research projects focus on core concepts and principles that are often taken for granted in research, policy and practice. We aim pluralistic, pragmatic, and often interdisciplinary, combining normative and empirical approaches. Building on our research and teaching activities, we fulfil consultative roles in various national and international settings in business and social policy, such as Unilever, and the Health Council of the Netherlands, and we participate in debates in public and professional media.
Highlighted publications
- AI through the looking glass: an empirical study of structural social and ethical challenges in AI
- Bio-Centered Artificial Intelligence: Towards a Progressive AI-biosphere Relation Through the Concepts of Poiesis and Mimesis
- Disruptive technologies and intra-value conflicts: The case of naturalness and sustainability in cellular agriculture
Chair Holder
Rachel is an interdisciplinary teacher and scholar whose areas of expertise cross several fields; history/philosophy of the life sciences, agricultural and food studies, and bioethics and science policy. She joined WUR in July 2024 as Chair and Professor of Philosophy.
prof.dr. RA (Rachel) Ankeny
Professor / Chairholder
People of Philosophy
Each chair group of Wageningen University & Research, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. Meet the people of Philosophy
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