Jews and Science

Jews and Science explores the complex relationship between Jewish identities and the evolving meanings of science in Western academic culture. It examines the role of Jewish scholars in defining science across multiple fields and investigates how their identification with the object of study affects their perception and status as scientists. The book challenges central problems and seeks to understand the impact of Jews in science and scientific training on our understanding of science itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Purdue University Press

Jews and Science delves into the intricate interplay between Jewish identities and the ever-evolving interpretations of science within the rich tapestry of Western academic culture. Throughout history, Jews have not only served as the conduits for the study of Jewish-related subjects but have also been subjected to scientific inquiry across a diverse array of disciplines, spanning from biology and bioethics to anthropology and genetics. Even the most recent incarnation of Jewish studies, known as Israel studies, emphasizes the far-reaching cultural, economic, and social implications of Israeli science and medicine on a global scale. The 2022 volume of the Casden Institute's Jewish Role in American Life series explores a multitude of issues that have emerged as Jewish studies has evolved, transitioning from an interdisciplinary to a transdisciplinary realm, and eventually establishing itself as a distinct academic discipline with its own degrees and departments in universities worldwide. This comprehensive book brings together scholars from diverse fields to examine the intricacies of defining science within the realm of Jewish studies. The scholars delve into the role of self-identified Jewish scholars, exploring whether their affiliation with the object of study, whether it be economics, criminology, medicine, or any other field, alters their perception or status as scientists. They also interrogate whether the diverse approaches to studying Jews and their relationship to science, encompassing the roles of Jews in science and scientific training, the science of the Jews (however defined), and Jews as subjects of scientific inquiry, redefine our understanding of science itself. The contributors to Jews and Science bravely confront these fundamental challenges head-on.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612498010