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Transparency and Secrecy in Citizen Science: Lessons from Herping

Assistant Professor Aleta Quinn (Department of Politics and Philosophy, University of Idaho)

I will outline a worry that citizen science can promote a kind of transparency that is harmful. I argue for the value of secrecy in citizen science. My argument will consist of analysis of a particular community (herpers), particular citizen science platforms (drawing contrasts between iNaturalist and H.E.R.P.), and my own travels in citizen science. My aim is to urge caution in the drive to transparency, as the concepts of transparency and secrecy merit close scrutiny. The concerns I raise are complementary to those suggested by previous philosophical work, and (I argue) resist straightforward solutions. Additionally, I aim to avoid a simple distinction between science versus non-science, and instead analyze herping as a rich practice and community that functions parallel to science.

When: Tuesday, 23rd February 2021, 10-11 AM

Where: Online. Please RSVP to pesta@adelaide.edu.au

 is a researcher in the Department of Politics and Philosophy at the University of Idaho. Her research revolves around the history and philosophy of biology, in particular the study of biodiversity.