Imperfect Oracle

The Epistemic and Moral Authority of Science

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Epistemology, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Imperfect Oracle by Theodore L. Brown, Penn State University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Theodore L. Brown ISBN: 9780271073699
Publisher: Penn State University Press Publication: August 25, 2009
Imprint: Penn State University Press Language: English
Author: Theodore L. Brown
ISBN: 9780271073699
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Publication: August 25, 2009
Imprint: Penn State University Press
Language: English

Science and its offshoot, technology, enter into the very fabric of our society in so many ways that we cannot imagine life without them. We are surrounded by crises and debates over climate change, stem-cell research, AIDS, evolutionary theory and “intelligent design,” the use of DNA in solving crimes, and many other issues. Society is virtually forced to follow our natural tendency, which is to give great weight to the opinions of scientific experts. How is it that these experts have come to acquire such authority, and just how far does their authority reach? Does specialized knowledge entitle scientists to moral authority as well? How does scientific authority actually function in our society, and what are the countervailing social forces (including those deriving from law, politics, and religion) with which it has to contend?

Theodore Brown seeks to answer such questions in this magisterial work of synthesis about the role of science in society. In Part I, he elucidates the concept of authority and its relation to autonomy, and then traces the historical growth of scientific authority and its place in contemporary American society. In Part II, he analyzes how scientific authority plays out in relation to other social domains, such as law, religion, government, and the public sphere.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Science and its offshoot, technology, enter into the very fabric of our society in so many ways that we cannot imagine life without them. We are surrounded by crises and debates over climate change, stem-cell research, AIDS, evolutionary theory and “intelligent design,” the use of DNA in solving crimes, and many other issues. Society is virtually forced to follow our natural tendency, which is to give great weight to the opinions of scientific experts. How is it that these experts have come to acquire such authority, and just how far does their authority reach? Does specialized knowledge entitle scientists to moral authority as well? How does scientific authority actually function in our society, and what are the countervailing social forces (including those deriving from law, politics, and religion) with which it has to contend?

Theodore Brown seeks to answer such questions in this magisterial work of synthesis about the role of science in society. In Part I, he elucidates the concept of authority and its relation to autonomy, and then traces the historical growth of scientific authority and its place in contemporary American society. In Part II, he analyzes how scientific authority plays out in relation to other social domains, such as law, religion, government, and the public sphere.

More books from Penn State University Press

Cover of the book Cultural Imperialism and the Indo-English Novel by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Net Loss by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book A Saving Science by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Mexican Costumbrismo by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book A Spiritual Home by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Feudal America by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book State, Labor, and the Transition to a Market Economy by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Taking Turns by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Framing Majismo by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book The Seductions of Darwin by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Melusine; or, The Noble History of Lusignan by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Sentenced to Science by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Trafika Europe by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book Polemical Encounters by Theodore L. Brown
Cover of the book After the Fall by Theodore L. Brown
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy