Aesthetic Values in Scientific Practice

Scientists often refer to their experiments, theories, images and instruments as beautiful and report that their scientific work is a source of aesthetic experiences. How do such aesthetic values affect scientific activities, and can aesthetic values play a cognitive role in science? In this chapter, I identify the different levels at which aesthetic values shape scientific products and processes, reflect on how philosophers have justified the cognitive role of such aesthetic values and draw insights from recent discussions on the aesthetics of scientific practice for the values in science debate. Readers may be interested in these Handbook chapters as well: Justin B. Biddle, “Artificial Intelligence: Values, Governance, and Policy”; Ahmad Elabbar, “Values and Assessment Reports on Climate Change”; Kevin C. Elliott and Ted Richards “An Introduction to Values and Science.”