Another Science is Possible: A Manifesto for Slow Science

Fast science is quickly prepared, not particularly good, and clogs up the system. Isabelle Stengers argues that research is deeply intertwined with broader social interests and that scientists should engage openly and honestly with the public and be clear about the kind of knowledge they are capable of producing. This book will be of great interest to students, scholars, and policymakers.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 220 pages
\n Publication date: 15 December 2017
\n Publisher: Polity Press
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Fast science, akin to fast food, is swiftly prepared, often lacking in quality, and can cause system congestion. Attempts to address critical issues have faced challenges due to conflicts within the scientific community and mixed messages indicative of a hurried approach. Furthermore, scientific research is being influenced by the bubbles and crashes associated with economic speculation and the market. A prevailing focus on conformism, competitiveness, opportunism, and flexibility has made it exceedingly difficult to present cases of failure to the public, as it may erode trust in science altogether.

In her groundbreaking book, esteemed philosopher Isabelle Stengers argues that research is intricately linked to broader social interests, rendering science incapable of proceeding in isolation. Stengers proposes an alternative approach, urging researchers to abandon their perception of themselves as the sole repository of rational thought and refuse to allow their expertise to be wielded to suppress public concerns or propagate the notion that scientific progress is inevitable and capable of resolving all societal problems. Instead, science must engage transparently and honestly with an informed public, clarifying the type of knowledge it can generate.

This timely and accessible work will appeal to students, scholars, policymakers, and anyone concerned with the role of science and its future. By delving into the complexities of the relationship between research and society, Stengers offers valuable insights and a roadmap for a more responsible and inclusive scientific enterprise.

\n Weight: 244g\n
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781509521814\n \n