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Experimental Secrets Brian Rappert

Experimental Secrets By Brian Rappert

Experimental Secrets by Brian Rappert


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Summary

This book addresses an unsettling question asked in recent years about the revolutionary potential of modern biotechnology: might the knowledge being gained be used to further-rather than prevent-the spread of disease? The conventions of statecraft, science, and social research are examined to convey to readers what is at stake.

Experimental Secrets Summary

Experimental Secrets: International Security, Codes, and the Future of Research by Brian Rappert

Experimental Secrets addresses an unsettling question asked in recent years about the revolutionary potential of modern biotechnology: might the knowledge being gained be used to further-rather than prevent-the spread of disease? In other words, might the life sciences become the death sciences? To avert this prospect, many governments, science agencies, and others have proposed that researchers should subscribe to new codes of conduct. Experimental Secrets recounts five years of international efforts to devise such codes. These initiatives have raised a question of profound significance: Are there limits to what should be known or communicated in the name of security? To convey the experiences of policy-making, Experimental Secrets offers a marked departure from traditional forms of writing. It seeks to convey a sense of what has been at stake with codes through ways of writing that question the conventions of statecraft, science, and social research. Different styles of writing, formats of texts, and points of views are mixed in an effort to convey the tensions, frustrations, and promises associated with international diplomatic efforts. It will be of interest to those concerned with the relation between science and security as well as the possibilities for social research. Cover: Making the Impossible Possible. Image from the Tissue Culture & Art Project The Pig Wings, wherein pig bone marrow stem cells were cultivated into miniature models of wings. The different wings represent the horrific (bat wing), angelic (bird wing) and obsolete (dinosaur wing). The TC&A is hosted at SymbioticA The Centre of Excellence in Biological Arts, School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia.

Experimental Secrets Reviews

Very distinctive and original in its mixture of narrative, storytelling, and abstract theorizing. A fascinating read that follows bio-security policy making from behind the scenes through the interactions of academics, scientists and policy makers that accentuates the multiple worlds of policy making. It is extremely relevant today as it addresses issues that are happening in secret or outside the public eyes and ears that have the potential to impact every global citizen. -- W. K. Bauchspies, associate professor, sociology of science, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Rappert is the antithesis of an academic looking from the outside in. Experimental Secrets is a compelling and hilarious account of Rappert's first-hand engagement with the world of biological weapons negotiations and how the people and institutions doing them develop meaning, knowledge and, on that basis, courses of action. It should be required reading for anyone engaged in weapons negotiations, or for that matter, any negotiations. -- Thomas Nash, coordinator of the Cluster Munitions Coalition

About Brian Rappert

Brian Rappert is associate professor of science, technology, and public affairs in the Department of Sociology and Philosophy at the University of Exeter.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Prologue: Why Read this Book? Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Chapter 3 Abbreviations Chapter 4 PART I - What code? Chapter 5 Dialogue: Absence and Presence Chapter 6 Reflections: In Search of a Code Chapter 7 On the Wire: Codes of Conduct as a Viral Idea Chapter 8 Dialogue: Beginnings Chapter 9 Concealing and Revealing: The Rule(s), the Redacted, and the Caviar Chapter 10 Composing the Field: Is a Code of Conduct a Good Idea? Chapter 11 Reflections: A Day in May Chapter 12 PART II - Conversational Troubles Chapter 13 Analysis of Analysis: Decisions and Tensions Chapter 14 A Thought Mistaken for a Memory: Those Who Would Oppose Chapter 15 Performances: It's You Chapter 16 On the Wire: Threats, Policies, Codes - Part 1 Chapter 17 A How to... Guide: Keeping a Conversation Going - Part 1 Chapter 18 On the Circuit: Fragments Chapter 19 Concealing and Revealing: Here, There, and Everywhere Chapter 20 Dialogue: Linkages Chapter 21 A Thought Mistaken for a Memory: He Said She Said Chapter 22 A How to... Guide: Keeping a Conversation Going - Part 2 Chapter 23 On the Wire: Research and Terrorism Chapter 24 Auxiliary: Informing Chapter 25 Composing the Field: On Becoming a Proselytizer? Chapter 26 PART III - Come and See Chapter 27 Auxiliary: Interventions from the Floor Chapter 28 Composing the Field: What's Going On Chapter 29 Performances: Is Diplomacy a Lie? Chapter 30 Analysis of Analysis: What now, little man? Chapter 31 A How to... Guide: Keeping a Conversation Going - Part 3 Chapter 32 Auxiliary: Footprints Chapter 33 Reflections: Codes as Building? Analysts as Building? Chapter 34 Composing the Field: What Does It Mean? Chapter 35 Concealing and Revealing: In Silence Chapter 36 PART IV - Commitments Chapter 37 A Thought Mistaken For a Memory: Direction Chapter 38 On the Wire: Threats, Policies, Codes - Part 2 Chapter 39 Analysis of Analysis: Fracturing Chapter 40 On the Circuit: Noise/Signal Radio Chapter 41 Auxiliary: Killing a Code Softly Chapter 42 Analysis of Analysis: Cautionary Notes on What Is It? Chapter 43 Composing the Field: Breaks Chapter 44 Performances: Provocation and Wolves Chapter 45 Reflections: Pessimism and the Sun Chapter 46 A How to... Guide: Keeping a Conversation Going - Part 4 Chapter 47 Composing the Field: The Event? Chapter 48 PART V - Endings Chapter 49 A Thought Mistaken for a Memory: Newcomer Lessons Chapter 50 Concealing and Revealing: Secrets and Trust in/of/for/to Networks Chapter 51 On the Circuit: Keys and Codes Chapter 52 Analysis of Analysis: Decodings Chapter 53 Auxiliary: Journey as a Destination Chapter 54 Index

Additional information

NLS9780761844754
9780761844754
0761844759
Experimental Secrets: International Security, Codes, and the Future of Research by Brian Rappert
New
Paperback
University Press of America
2009-07-16
250
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
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