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Robert Nola
Born1940
Alma materAustralian National University
Scientific career
FieldsPhilosophy of science
InstitutionsUniversity of Auckland
Thesis

Robert Nola (1940-) is a New Zealand philosophy academic, and as of 2021 is aa emeritus professor at the University of Auckland.[1]

Academic career

After a 1968 PhD titled 'Theoretical change in the physical sciences: a study of theory reduction and theory replacement in science' at the Australian National University, Nola moved to the University of Auckland, rising to full professor.[1]

In July 2021, in the context of a review of the NCEA (New Zealand's National Curriculum), Clements, along with six other University of Auckland Professors and Emeritus Professors published a letter "In Defence of Science" in the New Zealand Listener,[2] which drew considerable fire claiming indigenous knowledge (or Mātauranga Māori) "falls far short of what can be defined as science itself." Auckland vice-chancellor Dawn Freshwater said the letter "caused considerable hurt and dismay among our staff, students and alumni" and that "Mātauranga Māori as a valuable knowledge system, and that it was not at odds with Western empirical science and did not need to compete."[3][4] The TEU, the union which represents academics such as the professors, released a statement saying they "neglected to engage with or mention the many highly accomplished scholars and scientists in Aotearoa who have sought to reconcile notions of science, mātauranga Māori, and Māori in science."[5] The Royal Society of New Zealand released a statement saying "The Society strongly upholds the value of mātauranga Māori and rejects the narrow and outmoded definition of science outlined in [the letter]."[6] The New Zealand Association of Scientists released a statement saying "we were dismayed to see a number of prominent academics publicly questioning the value of mātauranga to science."[7] The letter writters were supported by opposition MP Paul Goldsmith.[8] Daniel Hikuroa, also an academic at Auckland, pointed out that Mātauranga Māori like Māramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) "was clearly science."[9] Tara McAllister said "we did not navigate to Aotearoa on myths and legends. We did not live successfully in balance with the environment without science. Māori were the first scientists in Aotearoa."[9] Tina Ngata wrote that "this letter, in all of its unsolicited glory, is a true testament to how racism is harboured and fostered within New Zealand academia."[10] An open counter-letter received more than 2000 signatures.[11]

Selected works

  • Irzik, Gürol, and Robert Nola. "New directions for nature of science research." In International handbook of research in history, philosophy and science teaching, pp. 999-1021. Springer, Dordrecht, 2014.
  • Irzik, Gürol, and Robert Nola. "A family resemblance approach to the nature of science for science education." Science & Education 20, no. 7 (2011): 591-607.
  • Nola, Robert, and Howard Sankey. Theories of scientific method: an introduction. Routledge, 2014.
  • Nola, Robert, and Gürol Irzik. Philosophy, science, education and culture. Vol. 28. Springer Science & Business Media, 2006.

References

  1. ^ a b https://www.arts.auckland.ac.nz/people/rnol003
  2. ^ Kendall Clements, Garth Cooper, Michael Corballis, Douglas Elliffe, Robert Nola, Elizabeth Rata, and John Werry. “In Defence of Science.” New Zealand Listener, 31 July 2021. p.4
  3. ^ Dunlop, Māni (28 July 2021). "University academics' claim mātauranga Māori 'not science' sparks controversy". RNZ. Retrieved 31 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ "Vice-Chancellor comments - The University of Auckland". Auckland.ac.nz. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  5. ^ "University academics' claim that mātauranga Māori is 'not science' sparks controversy". Stuff.co.nz. 24 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  6. ^ "Joint statement from President and Chair of Academy Executive Committee". Royalsociety.org.nz. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  7. ^ "Mātauranga and Science" (PDF). The New Zealand Association of Scientists. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  8. ^ "Paul Goldsmith: Mātauranga Māori shouldn't be taught at the expense of science". NewstalkZB. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ a b Henry, Dubby (28 July 2021). "Professors slammed for letter claiming Māori knowledge is not science". NewstalkZB.
  10. ^ Ngata, Tina (25 July 2021). "Defence of colonial racism". www.tinangata.com. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  11. ^ "An open response to 'In defence of science' New Zealand Listener (July 23)". Google Docs. Retrieved 31 July 2021.


source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robert_Nola&oldid=1046460720

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