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. 2019 Mar 13:8:e44929.
doi: 10.7554/eLife.44929.

Philosophical bias is the one bias that science cannot avoid

Fredrik Andersen #  1   2 , Rani Lill Anjum #  1 , Elena Rocca #  1
Affiliations

Philosophical bias is the one bias that science cannot avoid

Fredrik Andersen et al. Elife. .

Abstract

Scientists seek to eliminate all forms of bias from their research. However, all scientists also make assumptions of a non-empirical nature about topics such as causality, determinism and reductionism when conducting research. Here, we argue that since these 'philosophical biases' cannot be avoided, they need to be debated critically by scientists and philosophers of science.

Keywords: bias; philosophy of biology; philosophy of science.

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Conflict of interest statement

FA, RA, ER No competing interests declared

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