Science in a democratic society
Philosopher of science Philp Kitcher presents this timely and interesting exploration of the role of science in democracy. Addressing the propensity of democratic societies to debate all issues as if factual truth could be arrived at by a vote or debate, the work examines the role of the expert and the ways in which modern political discourse hampers clear applications of scientific works for the public good. The work addresses such topics as the erosion of scientific authority, the evolution of public knowledge and accommodating diversity and dissent. Kitcher is the author of twelve books on the philosophy of science
270 pages ; 24 cm
9781616144074, 1616144076
679931823
<h3>Contents</h3> <pre> Preface.........................................................................9 Introduction....................................................................11 Chapter 1. The Erosion of Scientific Authority..................................15 1. Disappointment and Overconfidence............................................15 2. The Division of Epistemic Labor..............................................20 3. Sources of Trouble...........................................................25 4. Values and Science...........................................................31 Chapter 2. Discussing Values....................................................41 5. Ethics as a Human Project....................................................41 6. Ethical Progress?............................................................45 7. Renewing the Project.........................................................49 8. Values in Science............................................................58 Chapter 3. Democratic Values....................................................63 9. Taking Democracy Seriously...................................................63 10. Ideals of Freedom...........................................................65 11. Equality in Freedom.........................................................71 12. A Picture of Democracy......................................................74 Chapter 4. The Evolution of Public Knowledge....................................85 13. Origins.....................................................................85 14. The Public Depository.......................................................89 15. Later Variants..............................................................93 16. From Private to Public......................................................98 Chapter 5. Well-Ordered Science.................................................105 17. Scientific Significance.....................................................105 18. Well-Ordered Science: Explanation...........................................111 19. Well-Ordered Science: Defense...............................................118 20. Merely an Ideal?............................................................125 21. Constraints on Pursuit......................................................131 Chapter 6. Public Reason........................................................139 22. Problems of Certification?..................................................139 23. Fraud and Misrepresentation in Scientific Research..........................141 24. Well-Ordered Certification and Ideal Transparency...........................147 25. The Role(s) of Philosophy of Science: A Brief Excursion.....................153 26. Chimeric Epistemologies and Opaque Value-Judgments..........................155 27. Suggestions for Improvement.................................................163 Chapter 7. Applications and Access..............................................169 28. Using Public Knowledge......................................................169 29. The Need for Improved Access................................................172 30. Science in Public Debate....................................................175 31. The Shibboleth of "Free Discussion".........................................178 32. Educating Citizens..........................................................187 Chapter 8. Diversity and Dissent................................................193 33. Diversity within Scientific Fields..........................................193 34. Varieties of Diversity......................................................198 35. Markets, Norms, and Team Players............................................208 36. Dissent.....................................................................217 37. Political Entanglements?....................................................222 Chapter 9. Actual Choices.......................................................227 38. The History of Life.........................................................227 39. Biomedical Technology.......................................................230 40. Genetically Modified Organisms..............................................237 41. Climate Change..............................................................243 Notes...........................................................................249 References......................................................................259 Index...........................................................................265 </pre>