Objectivity in science is influenced by social context from "summary" of Leviathan and the Air-Pump by Steven Shapin,Simon Schaffer
The idea that objectivity in science is shaped by social context is a key theme in Leviathan and the Air-Pump. The authors argue that scientific knowledge is not produced in a vacuum, but rather within a specific social and cultural environment that influences the way in which knowledge is constructed and validated. This means that what is considered to be objective and true in science is not fixed or universal, but rather contingent upon the prevailing norms, values, and beliefs of a particular time and place. One way in which social context shapes objectivity in science is through the practices and rituals of scientific inquiry. The authors demonstrate how the experimental practices of Boyle and Hobbes were not purely objective and disinterested, but rather were deeply embedded in the social and political dynamics of their time. For example, the use of the air-pump in Boyle's experiments was not simply a neutral tool for uncovering the secrets of nature, but rather was a powerful symbol of his authority and expertise as a natural philosopher. Furthermore, the authors show how the social context of early modern England played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Boyle-Hobbes debate over the nature of air. The authors argue that the success of Boyle's experimental program was not solely due to the strength of his arguments or the validity of his data, but rather was influenced by his ability to mobilize social support and establish a network of allies within the Royal Society. In contrast, Hobbes' more skeptical and critical stance towards experimental science left him isolated and vulnerable to attack from his peers.- Leviathan and the Air-Pump challenges the traditional view of science as a purely objective and rational enterprise, and instead emphasizes the role of social context in shaping the production and validation of scientific knowledge. By uncovering the social dynamics at play in the Boyle-Hobbes debate, the authors shed light on the complex interplay between power, authority, and objectivity in the practice of science.
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