Dr Stephen John

Hatton Lecturer in the Philosophy of Public Health at Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge

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Hatton Lecturer in the Philosophy of Public Health, Department of History and Philosophy of Science

Dr Stephen John is a University Senior Lecturer in the Philosophy of Public Health at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, and Director of Studies in Philosophy at Pembroke College.

His key philosophical interest is in understanding how the fundamental philosophical problem of the relationship between the ethical and the epistemological is, might and should be resolved in practical contexts.

His research so far has clustered around four concepts which are central to policy making, and which raise both epistemic and ethical puzzles: chance, certainty, categorisation and communication. To address these topics, he draws on a variety of philosophical sub-disciplines, including philosophy of science, political philosophy, applied ethics and social epistemology. He also engages with debates in public health and environmental policy over such topics as the prevention paradox, the precautionary principle, prenatal screening, alcohol policy, vaccination ethics, and climate change.

  • 4 June 2015, 6pm

    What can history tell us about current health inequalities?

    This year's Behaviour and Health Research Unit (BHRU) Annual Lecture will be delivered by Professor Simon Szreter, Professor of History and Public Policy, Faculty of History, University of Cambridge.

  • 14 April 2015, 6pm

    The role of evidence and analysis in effective policy making

    To commemorate 50 years since the death of Churchill and 75 years since he became Prime Minister, the Centre for Science and Policy and Churchill College are jointly organising a distinguished panel discussion to discuss the role of evidence and analysis in effective policy making.