Description
Book SynopsisScientists regularly employ historical narrative as a rhetorical tool in their communication of science, yet there''s been little reflection on its effects within scientific communities and beyond. Science Between Myth and History begins to unravel these threads of influence. The stories scientists tell are not just poorly researched scholarly histories, they are myth-histories, a chimeric genre that bridges distinct narrative modes. This study goes beyond polarizing questions about who owns the history of science and establishes a common ground from which to better understand the messy and lasting legacy of the stories scientists tell. It aims to stimulate vigorous conversation among science practitioners, scholars, and communicators.Scientific myth-histories undoubtedly deliver value, coherence, and inspiration to their communities. They are tools used to broker scientific consensus, resolve controversies, and navigate power dynamics. Yet beyond the explicit intent and rationale behi
Trade ReviewIt is commonplace, among historians of science, that the histories written by scientists are often myths, with more or less hidden agendas. Yet there is surprisingly little serious literature on the origin, nature, purpose, and (undesired) effects of these myths. The present book fills this gap in a highly competent way. The author knows very well the relevant literature, his examples are well chosen, his analyses are well-informed, subtle, and well-balanced. * Olivier Darrigol, CNRS, France *
This book should be of interest to historians of science, STS people and to a wider group of people including scientists and a general readership interested in pop science. I could see it being used in teaching introductory STS and history of science courses. * Trevor Pinch, Cornell University *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Reconstructing Scientific Pasts: Tensions and Explorations 1: Myth-Historical Tension: Origins of a Narrative Category 2: Myth-Historical Quantum Erasure: The Case of the Missing Pilot Wave 3: Myth-Historical CRISPR Edits: Modifying Futures by Controlling Pasts 4: Echoes of Gravitational Waves: (Re)Casting Heroes and Antiheroes 5: Demarcating Seismic Uncertainties: A Front in the 'War on Science' Conclusion Beyond the Science Wars
