Alan Chalmers

Science and Its Fabrication Alan Chalmers 1. utgave

In what way can scientific knowledge be defended and argued to be distinct from and superior to witchcraft or voodoo? Some of the orthodox answers to that kind of question were summarized and criticized in "What Is This Thing Called Science?", also by Alan Chalmers. However, no alternative to the views criticized was elaborated in any detail in that text, which has led some of its readers to interpret it as a radically sceptical attack on science. "Science and its Fabrication" sets out to rectify the situation. Aided by historical examples that are not too technically demanding, the author shows how a qualified defence of science is possible that occupies middle ground between ideological glorifications and radical denials or rejections of it. The way is thus prepared for an appreciation of science for what it is worth as well as a clarification of its limitations.