Homepage | Ryan O’Loughlin | Philosopher of Science
What I Work On
Uncertainty and error aren’t failures—they’re how science moves forward — and how we learn.
All models are wrong—so why trust them? Too often we equate trustworthiness with truthfulness. Yet when models agree, they build confidence for action; when they disagree, they often teach us the most. My work shows how we can trust science not just by mitigating its limits, but by embracing them.
Big Questions
- How can flawed models generate knowledge?
- When and why do agreement and disagreement strengthen trust in science?
- How should we make decisions under uncertainty?
Bridge to Science
- Diagnosing errors to learn from failure rather than hide it
- Clarifying model evaluation so that convergence and divergence both build insight
- Translating uncertainty into action
Recent Highlights
Talk
“Uncertainty and Climate Models,” Brown Climate Science Seminar (Sept 2025)
Publication
“Moving beyond post hoc eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI),” GMD (2025)
Appointment
I’m appointed as CUNY Grad Center Doctoral Faculty.
Who’s This For?
My work speaks to philosophers (robustness, error, fruitfulness), scientists (model evaluation, uncertainty, pursuitworthiness), and the media (clear, plain-language analysis of climate modeling). And for students, it provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to think critically about science in a complex world.
📚 Philosophers
Works-in-progress & workshops
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⚗️ Scientists
Talks & collaboration ideas in plain language
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🎙️ Media
Bio, topics, headshot, contact
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🧑🎓 Students
Syllabi, office hours, course resources
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Contact Information
ryan.oloughlin@qc.cuny.edu
718-997-5270
Powdermaker Hall 350-V, Queens College, CUNY
Updated: September 12, 2025