Bio
Kevin Elliott is a Professor of Philosophy at Michigan State University, with joint appointments in Lyman Briggs College, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Philosophy. His research interests are at the interface between the philosophy of science and practical ethics, focusing especially on environmental issues and research ethics.
Much of his work is focused around four topics: (1) Understanding how ethical and social values are embedded in scientific research and reflecting on how to address these values in a responsible fashion. (2) Exploring how financial conflicts of interest can affect policy-relevant research and examining strategies for responding to those influences. (3) Developing strategies for promoting more fruitful communication between scientists , policy makers, journalists, and members of the public. (4) Considering how best to respond to the human and environmental risks posed by new and emerging technologies
Many of the case studies he has examined involve contemporary research on environmental pollution, including endocrine disruption, nanotechnology, multiple chemical sensitivity, and hormesis.
Dr. Elliott earned his MA and PhD in History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Notre Dame after earning his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry and Philosophy at Wheaton College.
Selected Publications
Kevin C. Elliott (2022), Values in Science. Cambridge Elements, Cambridge University Press.
Kathryn S. Plaisance and Kevin C. Elliott (2021), “A Framework for Analyzing Broadly Engaged Philosophy of Science,” Philosophy of Science.
Kevin C. Elliott (2017), A Tapestry of Values: An Introduction to Values in Science.
Kevin C. Elliott (2016), “Standardized Study Designs, Value Judgments, and Financial Conflicts of Interest,” Perspectives on Science 24: 529-551.
Paul Mushak and Kevin C. Elliott (2015), “Structured Promotion of a Research Field: Hormesis in Biology, Toxicology, and Environmental Regulatory Science,” Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal 25: 335-367.
Kevin C. Elliott (2015), “Selective Ignorance in Environmental Research,” in M. Groß and Linsey McGoey (eds.), Routledge International Handbook of Ignorance Studies, pp. 165-173.
Kevin C. Elliott (2011), Is a Little Pollution Good for You? Incorporating Societal Values in Environmental Research. Oxford University Press.
Kevin C. Elliott (2011), “Direct and Indirect Roles for Values in Science,” Philosophy of Science 78: 303-324.