S3 Ep 2 - Kate Lynch on 'Causal Explanation in Science'

Today's guest is Dr Kate Lynch, who will discuss the topic of 'causal explanation in science'. Kate is a philosopher of biology and a lecturer in HPS at the University of Melbourne.

In this episode Kate introduces us to the difference between 'causation' and 'causal explanation', as well as difficulties involved in assessing what makes a good causal explanation. 

Some of Kate's research looks at medical explanations of death, including the complications that can be involved in deciding what cause of death will be officially documented. We were fascinated to learn of the varied practical, political, and even social considerations that can shape what cause a physician ends up recording on a death certificate. We also appreciated the way Kate used concrete examples like this to draw us into further discussion of the role social values play in science, all the way  down to the core scientific task of articulating causal explanations for natural phenomena.

You can find more interviews with and by Kate on the ABC's Philosophers Zone below:

• The philosophy of biology - ABC listen
• Causation and death - ABC listen
• What can genes tell us? - ABC listen

Other relevant links:

• Kate Lynch, Emily Parke & Maureen O'Malley 'How Causal are Microbiomes?'
• Kate Lynch '‘Gay gene’ testing apps aren’t just misleading – they’re dangerous'
• Kate Lynch 'Genes are not destiny: environment and education still matter when it comes to intelligence'
• James Woodward on Causal Explanation
• Peter Menzies 'Difference Maker'
• Tania Lombrozo 'Simplicity and Probability in Causal Explanation'
• Knobe & Fraser 'Causal Judgement & Moral Judgement: Two Experiments'

The transcript for this episode can be found at:

Thanks for listening to The HPS Podcast. You can find more about us on our website, Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook feeds. 

This podcast would not be possible without the support of School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne and the Hansen Little Public Humanities Grant scheme.

Music by ComaStudio.
Website HPS Podcast | hpsunimelb.org