Review Of "Science, Society, And Values: Toward A Sociology Of Objectivity" By S. Restivo

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

11-1-1994

Published In

Choice

Abstract

Restivo provides the broader context in which much of his earlier writing (The Social Relations of Physics, Mysticism, and Mathematics, 1983; Mathematics in Society and History, 1992) has been nurtured. He presents the summary views of his own particular orientation to the social studies of science developed over the past two decades. Here, Restivo attempts at once to generate a value-based critique of science while holding tight to certain scientific premises; to challenge the traditional warrant of objectivity in science while sustaining a robust appreciation of objectivity; to open science to multiple perspectives while rejecting relativism; and to extend the social conception of scientific knowledge while claiming primacy of the material world. The volume is not entirely successful in steering through these rocky straits, in part because of the patchwork character of many chapters and the ambiguity surrounding key turns of argument. However, there is a wealth of intelligence and insight here, even with these shortfalls. For advanced undergraduates and above.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of Choice Reviews. The review has been reproduced in full in the abstract field.

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