Overview

The Science Wars have recently become part of the popular discourse not only across a number of academic disciplines but also in the popular media. The ""War"" is between one side of scientists who believe that science and its methods are objectives and largely above criticism, and on the other an increasing number of social scientists, historians, philosophers and others gathered under the umbrella of Science Studies. The latter group have in the context of their studies questioned to varying degrees science and its status within our culture. After the Science Wars is an exciting new collection that seeks to move the debate from its recent stasis to a better relationship, especially in light of the Sokal Affair - which at first appeared to raise the status of science in relation to its critics, and now that the dust has settled has also managed to damage it. The book begins with a contribution from Sokal explaining his motivation for the parody and his conclusions from the affair. Then follows original essays by leading philosophers and scientists from a broad spectrum of views all attempting to bridge the wide interdisciplinary gulfs in this discussion and move it forward. After the Science Wars is essential reading for all those interested in the debates surrounding the status of science and its relation to Society and culture. Barry Shank, Department of American Studies, University of Kansas; Shari Speer, Department of Psychology, University of Kansas; David Norman Smith, Department of Sociology, Unive

Full Product Details

9780415212090

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Reviews

After the Science Wars... presents a range of views... minus technical jargon. Contributers... write as if they were not preaching to the converted but to persons willing to hear and engage with the issues in contention... Stolzenberg's essay... shows how anger and passion have corrupted otherwise serious debates, and it demonstrates that there is far less separating the romanticist and rationalists than scientists may have thought... After the Science Wars offers balanced, thoughtful, and illuminating insights into this cultural debate. <br>-Tom Bowden, Tech Directions <br>

Author Information

Keith Ashman and Phillip Baringer are both at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas, USA.

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