Science, Truth, and Democracy (Oxford Studies in the Philosophy of Science)

## Abstract What should be the goal of science in a democratic society? Some say, to attain the truth; others deny the possibility (or even the intelligibility) of truth‐seeking. Science, Truth, and Democracy attempts to provide a different answer. It is possible to make sense of the notion of truth, and to understand truth as correspondence to a mind‐independent world. Yet science could not hope to find the whole truth about that world. Scientific inquiry must necessarily be selective, focusing on the aspects of nature that are deemed most important. Yet how should that judgement be made? The book's answer is that the search for truth should be combined with a respect for democracy. The scientific research that should strike us as significant would address the questions singled out as most important in an informed deliberation among parties committed to each others’ well‐being. The book develops this perspective as an ideal of ‘well‐ordered science’, relating this ideal both to past efforts at science policy and to the possibility that finding the truth may not always be what we want. It concludes with a chapter on the responsibilities of scientists.

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.

"Closely examining some of our most deeply held notions about the role of science, distinguished philosopher Philip Kitcher engages the heated debate about how scientific knowledge should be pursued and employed. There currently exists a sharp divide between the purists who believe that the pursuit of scientific knowledge is always valuable and necessary and those who believe that it invariably serves the interests of the powerful. Kitcher rejects both perspectives, painting a pragmatic portrait of the sciences that allows for the possibility of scientific truth but nonetheless permits social consensus to determine which avenues to investigate."--Jacket Striving to re-direct the philosophy of science, this controversial book examines the role of science in shaping our lives