Vito Balorda

Scientific Explanation, Causation, and Medical Intervention

I examine how scientists, particularly biologists, explain phenomena such as proteins or blood clots. These explanations often rely on identifying the following causal structures: mechanisms (e.g., protein synthesis), pathways (e.g., glycolysis), and cascades (e.g., coagulation). Each of these structures is unique, thus I investigate their epistemic, ontological, and methodological differences. Additionally, I emphasize the significance of these causal structures in biological and medical practices, particularly in medical interventions aimed at preventing diseases such as cancer. For instance, targeting specific parts of the glycolytic pathway can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. These interventions are possible once causal structures are identified and mapped out. Lastly, I examine how causal structures, such as pathways, can better characterize the process of natural selection. While natural selection is often characterized as a force, a statistical concept, or a mechanism, pathways offer a more suitable framework. They highlight the temporal aspect and better capture the contingency inherent in natural selection.

Science Denialism

I explore how philosophers of science can help mitigate the crisis of science denial. We are currently witnessing a decline in public trust in science, particularly evident in vaccine hesitancy and climate change denial. Philosophers of science possess unique skills to address this crisis, more specifically, they are adept at translating and clarifying scientific content, correcting fallacious reasoning, and identifying the personal values and identities that underlie science denial. By leveraging these skills, philosophers of science can communicate more effectively with the public and serve as mediators between science and the public.

2024-2025

Postdoctoral researcher, “Metaphilosophy” project (CSF), Department of Philosophy, University of Rijeka, Croatia

2024

PhD in Philosophy, University of Rijeka, Croatia

2019 - 2024

Doctoral researcher, “Theoretical Underpinnings of Molecular Biology” project (CSF), Department of Philosophy, University of Rijeka, Croatia

2018

MA in Philosophy and History, University of Rijeka, Croatia

2016

BA in Philosophy and History, University of Rijeka, Croatia

• 2024 – 2025 Postdoctoral research grant, Croatian Science Foundation, University of Rijeka (50.000 EUR)

• 2023 Rector’s Award for Excellent Achievement, University of Rijeka

• 2022 – 2023 Doctoral research fellowship, Wirth Institute, University of Alberta (26.000 CAD)

• 2019 – 2024 Doctoral research grant, Croatian Science Foundation, University of Rijeka (120.000 EUR)

• 2021 Research Erasmus grant, University of Padua

• 2018 Award for the best BA thesis, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka