Truth in science is shaped by social processes from "summary" of Leviathan and the Air-Pump by Steven Shapin,Simon Schaffer
The idea that truth in science is shaped by social processes is a central theme in Leviathan and the Air-Pump. The authors argue that scientific knowledge is not simply the result of objective observation and experimentation, but is rather influenced by the social context in which it is produced. In other words, what is considered true in science is determined not only by empirical evidence but also by the interactions, negotiations, and power dynamics among scientists and other actors involved in the scientific process. Shapin and Schaffer illustrate this concept through their historical analysis of the Boyle-Hobbes debate over the air pump in the 17th century. They show how the two sides in the debate not only disagreed on the interpretation of experimental results but also had different social and political agendas that influenced their positions. Boyle, for example, was a member of the Royal Society and had ties to the English aristocracy, while Hobbes was a political philosopher with a different worldview and set of priorities. The authors also highlight the role of rhetorical strategies in shaping scientific truth. They show how Boyle and his supporters used language and persuasion to advance their arguments and discredit their opponents. Through their analysis, Shapin and Schaffer reveal that the construction of scientific knowledge is a complex and dynamic process that is influenced by a wide range of social factors.- Leviathan and the Air-Pump challenges the idea of science as a purely objective and value-free enterprise. Instead, it presents a more nuanced view of scientific knowledge as being shaped by social processes that are inseparable from the practice of science itself. By shedding light on the social dimensions of scientific truth, the authors invite readers to rethink their assumptions about the nature of scientific knowledge and the ways in which it is produced and validated.
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