Objectivity is widely recognized as a fundamental value in the sciences. Yet objectivity may be deployed as a filter or screen that discourages scientists from reflecting on the political consequences of their work. This article examines the relationship between scientific commitment to objectivity and recent critiques of the influence of corporations on research. It does so by analysing legal documents and examples of ‘life writing’, including a prominent environmental sociologist’s candid reflections on his decision to consult for Exxon after 1989 Valdez oil spill in Alaska. The article considers how objectivity may facilitate participation in research intended to promote doubt and uncertainty about the harm caused by corporations. It asks whether such decisions are better understood as unavoidable blind spots or examples of wilful blindness.

中文翻译：

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魔鬼与深蓝海之间：埃克森瓦尔迪兹石油泄漏诉讼中的客观性与政治责任

客观性被广泛认为是科学中的基本价值。然而，客观性可能会被用作过滤器或屏幕，阻止科学家反思他们工作的政治后果。本文考察了对客观性的科学承诺与最近对公司对研究影响的批评之间的关系。它通过分析法律文件和“生活写作”的例子来做到这一点，包括一位著名的环境社会学家对他在 1989 年阿拉斯加瓦尔迪兹石油泄漏事件后决定为埃克森美孚提供咨询的坦诚反思。本文考虑了客观性如何促进参与旨在促进对公司造成的损害的怀疑和不确定性的研究。它询问是否将此类决定更好地理解为不可避免的盲点或故意盲目的例子。