Striving to boldly redirect the philosophy of science, this book by renowned philosopher Philip Kitcher examines the heated debate surrounding the role of science in shaping our lives. Kitcher explores the sharp divide between those who believe that the pursuit of scientific knowledge is always valuable and necessary--the purists--and those who believe that it invariably serves the interests of people in positions of power. In a daring turn, he rejects both
perspectives, working out a more realistic image of the sciences--one that allows for the possibility of scientific truth, but nonetheless permits social consensus to determine which avenues to investigate. He
then proposes a democratic and deliberative framework for responsible scientists to follow. Controversial, powerful, yet engaging, this volume will appeal to a wide range of readers. Kitcher's nuanced analysis and authorititative conclusion will interest countless scientists as well as all readers of science--scholars and laypersons alike.
Striving to boldly redirect the philosophy of science, this book by renowned philosopher Philip Kitcher examines the heated debate surrounding the role of science in shaping our lives. Kitcher explores the sharp divide between those who believe that the pursuit of scientific knowledge is always valuable and necessary--the purists--and those who believe that it invariably serves the interests of people in positions of power. In a daring turn, he rejects both
perspectives, working out a more realistic image of the sciences--one that allows for the possibility of scientific truth, but nonetheless permits social consensus to determine which avenues to investigate. He
then proposes a democratic and deliberative framework for responsible scientists to follow. Controversial, powerful, yet engaging, this volume will appeal to a wide range of readers. Kitcher's nuanced analysis and authorititative conclusion will interest countless scientists as well as all readers of science--scholars and laypersons alike.
"In Science, Truth, and Democracy, this philosopher of science at
Columbia University revises and builds on his earlier account to
debunk what he refers to as the theology of science-the idea that
science is a high calling dedicated to ends that transcend all
others-and to oppose the demonization of
science...thought-provoking." -- Lewis Wolpert, Science
"Science, Truth, and Democracy is an outstandingly good book; it
flashes with the steel of reason."--New York Times Book Review
"Mr Kitcher holds that the democratic way of doing this is better
than any alternative....But could it, he asks, serve us better?
Does it ignore opportunities for the advancement of knowledge and
the betterment of humankind? Yes, he suggests, on both counts.
Thanks to [Kitcher, et. al.], such questions are being asked again
in a serious and responsible way. Science can only be richer and
healthier for it."--The Economist
"Philip Kitcher's Science, Truth and Democracy joins generosity to
argument. Throughout, Kitcher remains engaged with reason as he
tries to understand, critically, the positions of realists,
creationists, empiricists, and constructivists."--Peter Galison,
Harvard University
"Kitcher's navigates very skillfully between the extremes of
positivistic science-worship and Foucauldian distrust of 'regimes
of truth'. His novel and plausible answer to the question 'Why seek
scientific truth?' will help bring the increasingly tedious Science
Wars to a close. His argument that we need what he calls
'well-ordered science' is an important contribution to political
thought."--Richard Rorty, Brandeis University
"Kitcher is one of the leading figures in contemporary philosophy
of science, and [this book] expounds some significant developments
in his general view of the sciences, as well as original treatments
of some fundamentally important and increasingly topical
issues...it will certainly be widely read and discussed by
philosophers of science and a good number of scientists and other
students of scientists."--John Dupré, University of Exeter
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