Professor Anna Alexandrova

Limits of the Numerical 2015-18

Limits of the Numerical

With Stephen John

This project explores one of the most pressing sets of questions for modern social science and its relation to policy. What are the effects on a system of social policy when numerical quantification and evaluation is introduced into that system? How does the use of numerical evaluation exclude, trivialize or distort other systems of political, moral and social evaluation? What are the political and moral consequences of this shift towards numerical evaluation? These questions are addressed with respect to three distinct strands of social policy — education, climate change and healthcare — three areas where social science, policy and the gritty world of politics interact with intense urgency.

More information

Research outcomes

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Newfield, C., Alexandrova, A., & John, S. (Eds.). (2022).

Limits of the Numerical: The Abuses and Uses of Quantification. University of Chicago Press.

Biography

Anna Alexandrova is Professor in Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge.

She studies how scientists navigate morally charged and complex phenomena and the role of formal tools such as models and indicators in their scholarly and public work.

Before moving to Cambridge Anna taught at the University of Missouri St Louis, Washington University in St Louis, and received her PhD in Philosophy and Science Studies at the University of California San Diego. She is a Fellow of King's College, where she directs studies in History and Philosophy of Science.

Biographical details correct as of 11.03.25

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