The aim of this paper is to give a philosophical insight into the ethical and political aspects of the concept of statistical literacy from a historical perspective. The growing interest into the accessibility of statistics goes hand in hand with the fact that statistical information is penetrating in growing measure the forms of personal and public life. It was part of the ethical-political agenda of the Wiener Kreis in 1929 to bring the scientific world-conception closer to human beings living in this world. We can see the same ethical-political programme within educational theory where the questions of literacy became a matter of ethics based on the general idea of emancipation which can be found in the UNESCO’s view on education (1948). Moreover we see in its mission a tight connection with the socio-economic development, focusing on an enduring and peaceful world, while respecting diversity and maintaining human rights.
(Friday 16th, 11:00-12:30)
Karen François (Belgium)