The Politics of Pure Science

by Greenberg, Daniel S.

• ISBN13: 9780226306322
• ISBN10: 0226306321
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-08-01
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

The Politics of Pure Science,a pioneering and controversial work, set a new standard for the realistic examination of the place of science in American politics and society. Dispelling the myth of scientific purity and detachment, Daniel S. Greenberg documents in revealing detail the political processes that underpinned government funding of science from the 1940s to the 1970s. While the book's hard-hitting approach earned praise from a broad audience, it drew harsh fire from many scientists, who did not relish their turn under the microscope. The fact that this dispute is so reminiscent of today's acrimonious "Science Wars" demonstrates that although science has changed a great deal sinceThe Politics of Pure Sciencefirst appeared, the politics of science has not--which is why this book retains its importance. For this new edition, John Maddox (Natureeditor emeritus) and Steven Shapin have provided introductory essays that situate the book in broad social and historical context, and Greenberg has written a new afterword taking account of recent developments in the politics of science. "[A] book of consequence about science as one of the more consequential social institutions in the modern world. It is one that could be understood and should be read by the President, legislators, scientists and the rest of us ordinary folk. . . . Informative and perceptive."--Robert K. Merton,New York Times Book Review

Table of Contents

Foreword to the 1999 Edition	ix
Sir John Maddox
Foreword to the 1999 Edition	xv
Steven Shapin
Acknowledgments and a Note on Sources	xxiii
Introduction	xxv
BOOK ONE
The Scientific Community	3	(23)
Chauvinism, Xenophobia, and Evangelism	26	(25)
BOOK TWO
When Science Was an Orphan	51	(17)
The War-born Relationship	68	(13)
The Experience of War	81	(16)
Meshing the Incompatible	97	(28)
The Reluctant Leaders	125	(26)
BOOK THREE
The Government of Science	151	(20)
Mohole: The Anatomy of a Fiasco	171	(38)
High Energy Politics	209	(37)
MURA's Last Stand	246	(24)
The New Politics of Science	270	(25)
Afterword	295	(8)
Index	303