Science in a democratic society / Philip Kitcher.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kitcher, Philip, 1947-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Social aspects.

Science.

Science--Philosophy.

Values.

Physical Description:

270 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Amherst, N.Y. : Prometheus Books, 2011.

Summary:

Philosopher of science Philp Kitcher presents this timely and interesting exploration of the role of science in democracy. Addressing the propensity of democratic societies to debate all issues as if factual truth could be arrived at by a vote or debate, the work examines the role of the expert and the ways in which modern political discourse hampers clear applications of scientific works for the public good. The work addresses such topics as the erosion of scientific authority, the evolution of public knowledge and accommodating diversity and dissent. Kitcher is the author of twelve books on the philosophy of science. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Contents:

Chapter 1 The Erosion of Scientific Authority 15

1 Disappointment and Overconfidence 15

2 The Division of Epistemic Labor 20

3 Sources of Trouble 25

4 Values and Science 31

Chapter 2 Discussing Values 41

5 Ethics as a Human Project 41

6 Ethical Progress? 45

7 Renewing the Project 49

8 Values in Science 58

Chapter 3 Democratic Values 63

9 Taking Democracy Seriously 63

10 Ideals of Freedom 65

11 Equality in Freedom 71

12 A Picture of Democracy 74

Chapter 4 The Evolution of Public Knowledge 85

13 Origins 85

14 The Public Depository 89

15 Later Variants 93

16 From Private to Public 98

Chapter 5 Well-Ordered Science 105

17 Scientific Significance 105

18 Well-Ordered Science: Explanation 111

19 Well-Ordered Science: Defense 118

20 Merely an Ideal? 125

21 Constraints on Pursuit 131

Chapter 6 Public Reason 139

22 Problems of Certification? 139

23 Fraud and Misrepresentation in Science Research 141

24 Well-Ordered Certification and Ideal Transparency 147

25 The Role(s) of Philosophy of Science: A Brief Excursion 153

26 Chimeric Epistermologies and Opaque Value-Judgments 155

27 Suggestions for Improvement 163

Chapter 7 Applications and Access 169

28 Using Public Knowledge 169

29 The Need for Improved Access 172

30 Science in Public Debate 175

31 The Shibboleth of "Free Discussion" 178

32 Educating Citizens 187

Chapter 8 Diversity and Dissent 193

33 Diversity within Scientific Fields 193

34 Varieties of Diversity 198

35 Markets, Norms, and Team Players 208

36 Dissent 217

37 Political Entanglements? 222

Chapter 9 Actual Choices 227

38 The History of Life 227

39 Biomedical Technology 230

40 Genetically Modified Organisms 237

41 Climate Change 243.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781616144074

1616144076

OCLC:

679931823