When Virtues are Vices: 'Anti-Science' Epistemic Values in Environmental Politics

Since at least the mid-2000s, political commentators, environmental advocates, and scientists have raised concerns about an “anti-science” approach to policymaking in conservative governments US Canada. This paper explores resolves a paradox surrounding some uses of epithet. I examine two cases such policy, both which involve appeals epistemic values that are widely endorsed by philosophers science. It seems paradoxical call appeal “anti-science.” develop analysis that, argue, can resolve this paradox. is version “aims approach” science values, drawing on ideas from axiology virtue ethics. characterize terms conflicts or tensions between pragmatic aims, argue there key asymmetry them: aims valuable, part, because they useful for pursuing aims. Thus, when conflict, need be reconceptualized order reconcile them When done, cases, scientific vices rather than virtues. Thus epithet apt.