Lorraine Daston

Lorraine Daston is Visiting Professor in the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago and Director Emerita at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science. Her research examines the historical development of scientific rationality, objectivity, rules, and epistemic virtues from the early modern period to the present. She currently investigates the history of scientific cooperation and the evolution of rules governing knowledge production.

Education & Appointments:
Educated at Harvard University (PhD). Permanent Fellow at Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin. Former Director at Max Planck Institute for History of Science (1995-2019).

Research Themes:
Three primary domains: 1) Historical epistemology of scientific objectivity and observation practices; 2) Evolution of scientific rules and norms across different cultural contexts; 3) Comparative studies of scientific communities and their governance structures. Her work bridges history, philosophy, and social studies of science.

Publication Patterns:
Recent books analyze rules as epistemic and social technologies ('Rules: A Short History') and scientific cooperation ('Rivals'). Earlier works established foundations in objectivity studies and wonders of nature. Articles demonstrate increasing focus on scientific modernity and disciplinary formation.

Major Honors:

• Sarton Medal for lifetime achievement (History of Science Society)
• Dan David Prize in History of Science
• Heineken Prize in History
• Elected fellow: American Academy of Arts & Sciences, American Philosophical Society, British Academy

Public Engagement:
Frequent commentator on science and modernity for Aeon, Washington Post, and BBC programs. Delivers invited lectures worldwide on history of scientific collaboration and epistemic norms.