On the Nature of Scientific Disagreement

This chapter highlights various aspects of scientific disagreement, with an eye on disagreements between peers. These include the scope and extent of scientific disagreements across disciplines. In part, differences in disagreement can be explained in terms of the various matters of dispute, such as the correct interpretation of data, or methodological, conceptual, and normative issues. The chapter also addresses whether and when (persistent) disagreement in science can be rational, and whether persistent disagreement is an impediment to progress in science. The concluding remarks touch upon additional issues, such as when economic or political stakeholders nurture scientific disagreement or even manufacture it.