The one culture? : a conversation about science / edited by Jay A. Labinger and Harry Collins.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Labinger, Jay A.

Collins, H. M. (Harry M.), 1943-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Social aspects.

Science.

Science and state.

Science--Philosophy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (342 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, c2001.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

So far the "Science Wars" have generated far more heat than light. Combatants from one or the other of what C. P. Snow famously called "the two cultures" (science versus the arts and humanities) have launched bitter attacks but have seldom engaged in constructive dialogue about the central issues. In The One Culture?, Jay A. Labinger and Harry Collins have gathered together some of the world's foremost scientists and sociologists of science to exchange opinions and ideas rather than insults. The contributors find surprising areas of broad agreement in a genuine conversation about science, its legitimacy and authority as a means of understanding the world, and whether science studies undermines the practice and findings of science and scientists. The One Culture? is organized into three parts. The first consists of position papers written by scientists and sociologists of science, which were distributed to all the participants. The second presents commentaries on these papers, drawing out and discussing their central themes and arguments. In the third section, participants respond to these critiques, offering defenses, clarifications, and modifications of their positions. Who can legitimately speak about science? What is the proper role of scientific knowledge? How should scientists interact with the rest of society in decision making? Because science occupies such a central position in the world today, such questions are vitally important. Although there are no simple solutions, The One Culture? does show the reader exactly what is at stake in the Science Wars, and provides a valuable framework for how to go about seeking the answers we so urgently need. Contributors include: Constance K. Barsky, Jean Bricmont, Harry Collins, Peter Dear, Jane Gregory, Jay A. Labinger, Michael Lynch, N. David Mermin, Steve Miller, Trevor Pinch, Peter R. Saulson, Steven Shapin, Alan Sokal, Steven Weinberg, Kenneth G. Wilson

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION

2. Does Science Studies Undermine Science? Wittgenstein, Turing, and Polanyi as Precursors for Science Studies and the Science Wars

3. Science and Sociology of Science: Beyond War and Peace

4. Is a Science Peace Process Necessary?

5. Caught in the Crossfire? The Public's Role in the Science Wars

6. Life inside a Case Study

7. Conversing Seriously with Sociologists

8. How to be Antiscientific

9. Physics and History

10. Science Studies as Epistemography

11. From Social Construction to Questions for Research: The Promise of the Sociology of Science

12. A Martian Sends a Postcard Home

13. Awakening a Sleeping Giant?

14. Remarks on Methodological Relativism and "Antiscience"

15. One More Round with Relativism

16. Overdetermination and Contingency

17. Reclaiming Responsibility

18. Split Personalities, or the Science Wars Within

19. Situated Knowledge and Common Enemies: Therapy for the Science Wars

20. Real Essences and Human Experience

21. It's a Conversation!

22. Confessions of a Believer

23. Barbarians at Which Gates?

24. Peace at Last?

25. Reply to Our Critics

26. Crown Jewels and Rough Diamonds: The Source of Science's Authority

27. Another Visit to Epistemography

28. Let's Not Get Too Agreeable

29. Causality, Grammar, and Working Philosophies: Some Final Comments

30. Readings and Misreadings

31. Peace for Whom and on Whose Terms?

32. Pilgrims' Progress

33. Historiographical Uses of Scientific Knowledge

34. Beyond Social Construction

35. Conclusion

References

Contributors

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 303-315) and index.

ISBN:

9786612738449

9781282738447

1282738445

9780226467245

0226467244

OCLC:

655848236