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Cultural Boundaries of Science Thomas F. Gieryn

Cultural Boundaries of Science By Thomas F. Gieryn

Cultural Boundaries of Science by Thomas F. Gieryn


$28.99
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

An investigation of the boundaries of science. Gieryn argues that when scientific claims reach courtrooms, boardrooms and living rooms, we use cultural 'maps' to decide whom to believe and to demarcate science from ideology, faith or nonsense. He argues that there are no stable criteria to distinguish science from non-science.

Cultural Boundaries of Science Summary

Cultural Boundaries of Science: Credibility on the Line by Thomas F. Gieryn

Why is science so credible? Usual answers centre on scientists' objective methods or their powerful instruments. This text argues that a better explanation for the cultural authority of science lies downstream, when scientific claims leave laboratories and enter courtrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms. On such occasions, we use maps to decide who to believe - cultural maps demarcating science from pseudoscience, ideology, faith, or nonsense. Thomas F. Gieryn looks at episodes of boundary-work: Was phrenology good science? How about cold fusion? Is social science really scientific? Is organic farming? After centuries of disputes like these, Gieryn finds no stable criteria that absolutely distinguish science from non-science. Science remains a pliable cultural space, flexibly reshaped to claim credibility for some beliefs while denying it to others. In an epilogue, Gieryn finds this same controversy at the heart of the raging science wars.

Additional information

GOR008371118
9780226292625
0226292622
Cultural Boundaries of Science: Credibility on the Line by Thomas F. Gieryn
Used - Very Good
Paperback
The University of Chicago Press
19990115
412
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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