Beyond the Laboratory: Scientists as Political Activists in 1930's America

The debate over scientists' social responsibility is a topic of great controversy today. Peter J. Kuznick here traces the origin of that debate to the 1930s and places it in a context that forces a reevaluation of the relationship between science and politics in twentieth-century America. Kuznick reveals how an influential segment of the American scientific community during the Depression era underwent a profound transformation in its social values and political beliefs, replacing a once-pervasive conservatism and antipathy to political involvement with a new ethic of social reform. Copyright Title Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Science on the Defensive in Depression America 2. From Apathy to Engagement: Shifts in the Scientific World 3. The AAAS Shapes the Emerging Science and Society Movement 4. The Soviet Model: An Alternative Vision of Science and Society 5. The Soviet Influence on Physicians and Physiologists 6. Franz Boas Mobilizes the Scientists against Fascism 7. Scientists Establish the American Committee for Democracy and Intellectual Freedom 8. Beyond Liberal Reform: The American Association of Scientific Workers 9. Conclusion Manuscript Collections Notes Index Science On The Defensive In Depression America -- From Apathy To Engagement : Shifts In The Scientific World -- The Aaas Shapes The Emerging Science And Society Movement -- The Soviet Model : An Alternative Vision Of Science And Society -- The Soviet Influence On Physicians And Physiologists -- Franz Boas Mobilizes The Scientists Against Fascism -- Scientists Establish The American Committee For Democracy And Intellectual Freedom -- Beyond Liberal Reform : The American Association Of Scientific Workers. Peter J. Kuznick. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. 275-345. Scientists have played contradictory roles throughout history.