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

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. Contents......Page 10 Introduction......Page 12 PART I: THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH......Page 16 1. Unacceptable Images......Page 18 2. The World as We Find It......Page 26 3. The Ideal of Objectivity......Page 44 4. The World as We Make It......Page 58 5. Mapping Reality......Page 70 6. Scientific Significance......Page 78 PART II: THE CLAIMS OF DEMOCRACY......Page 98 7. The Myth of Purity......Page 100 8. Constraints on Free Inquiry......Page 108 9. Organizing Inquiry......Page 124 10. Well-Ordered Science......Page 132 11. Elitism, Democracy, and Science Policy......Page 152 12. Subversive Truth and Ideals of Progress......Page 162 13. The Luddites’ Laments......Page 182 14. Research in an Imperfect World......Page 196 Afterword......Page 214 Essay on Sources......Page 218 C......Page 230 H......Page 231 P......Page 232 T......Page 233 Z......Page 234 "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