Description
Book SynopsisExplores the relationships between science and other societal sectors, notably law, religion, government and public culture, in terms of the concepts of expert and moral authority.
Trade Review“This book aims to provide a rich, overarching account of the authority of science in American society. It examines the nature of scientists’ cognitive and moral authority; the historical origins of science; its roles and limits in various spheres of society, including law, the courts, state policy, public culture, and religious life; the sources and conditions of scientific authority; and its conflicts with other sources of authority, such as common sense, religious conviction, and legal practices. Ted Brown makes a very significant contribution to the field of ’science studies.’ He succeeds in synthesizing a diverse set of scholarly insights from the literature in various fields and unifies (or reformulates) them into one powerful account of scientific authority that stands on its own. Imperfect Oracle provides a fresh and engaging perspective. The author creates a bridge between different disciplines by approaching issues like scientific testimony, evidence, and credibility through the work of philosophers, sociologists, public policy scientists, historians, and biographers, among others. The book is exceptionally well written, with clear, concise, lively, and well-balanced prose. The virtue of Imperfect Oracle is that it provides a more comprehensive and synoptic view of scientific authority than is otherwise available.”
—Jerry Doppelt,University of California, San Diego
“A very rewarding analysis of the status of science in modern times. . . . Highly recommended.”
—J. W. Dauben Choice
“Theodore Brown is the ultimate academic all-rounder.”
—Steve Fuller Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
“The path to intellectual eminence and authority has been peppered with difficulties. There have been breakthroughs and roadblocks, and Brown’s book discusses them in extremely rich detail. His book could become a valuable textbook or resource for a course on science and society.”
—Philip J. Davis SIAM
Table of ContentsContents
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Introduction 1
Part I Foundations
1. Authority and Autonomy
2. Historical Origins of Scientific Authority
3. American Science
4. Scientific Authority in Contemporary Society
Part II Science in Society
5. Science and the Courts
6. Science and Religion
7. Science and Government
8. Science and the Public
9. The Prospects for Scientific Authority
References
Index
