Science and the State: From the Scientific Revolution to World War II

John Gascoigne argues that the modern state and modern science arose at the same time due to their mutual dependence, which has promoted the consolidation of both. He shows how the changing functions of the state have brought a wider engagement with science, while the possibilities that science makes available have increased the authority of the state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The relationship between science and the state has been a complex and evolving one throughout history. From the Scientific Revolution to World War II, this relationship has been shaped by a range of factors, including political, economic, and social developments. In this essay, we will explore the historical and contemporary relationship between science and the state, examining how it has influenced each other and contributed to the development of modern society.

One of the key arguments put forward by John Gascoigne is that the state and science have an ongoing mutual dependence. Gascoigne argues that the state has always relied on science to provide it with the knowledge and tools necessary to govern and regulate society. For example, in the early modern period, the state relied on science to develop new technologies and weapons to strengthen its military power. Similarly, in the 20th century, the state relied on science to develop new technologies and medicines to improve public health and combat disease.

At the same time, science has also played a crucial role in shaping the state. Science has provided the state with new ideas and technologies that have enabled it to expand its power and control over society. For example, the development of the printing press in the 15th century allowed the state to disseminate information and ideas more widely, leading to the spread of knowledge and the rise of the Enlightenment. Similarly, the development of the steam engine in the 19th century enabled the state to develop new transportation and communication technologies, which in turn facilitated the growth of commerce and industry.

Another important aspect of the relationship between science and the state is the role that science has played in promoting the consolidation of both. Gascoigne argues that the changing functions of the state have brought a wider engagement with science, while the possibilities that science makes available have increased the authority of the state along with its prowess in war. For example, in the 20th century, the state relied on science to develop new weapons and technologies to strengthen its military power. At the same time, the state also used science to promote its economic and social policies, such as the development of public health programs and social welfare policies.

The alliance between science and the state was firmly established at the end of World War II and is still firmly embodied in the post-war world. Gascoigne argues that the post-war world is characterized by a new form of scientific governance, in which the state and science work together to address global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality. In this new world, the state is seen as a partner in scientific research and development, rather than a rival or adversary.

However, there are also challenges to the relationship between science and the state. One of the biggest challenges is the issue of scientific autonomy. Scientists often argue that they should be able to conduct their research without interference from the state or other external actors. However, the state also has a responsibility to ensure that scientific research is conducted safely and ethically and that it benefits society as a whole. This can be a difficult balance to strike, and there have been many debates over the years about how to ensure that scientific research is both autonomous and accountable.

Another challenge is the issue of scientific knowledge and its dissemination. In the age of the internet and social media, it has become easier for people to access and share scientific knowledge, which can challenge the authority. The state has a responsibility to ensure that scientific knowledge is accurate and reliable and that it is not used to promote false or harmful beliefs or ideologies. This can be a difficult task, particularly in the age of misinformation and fake news.

In conclusion, the relationship between science and the state has been a complex and evolving one throughout history. From the Scientific Revolution to World War II, this relationship has been shaped by a range of factors, including political, economic, and social developments. John Gascoigne argues that the state and science have an ongoing mutual dependence, and that the changing functions of the state have brought a wider engagement with science, while the possibilities that science makes available have increased the authority of the state along with its prowess in war. The alliance between science and the state was firmly established at the end of World War II and is still firmly embodied in the post-war world. However, there are also challenges to the relationship between science and the state, such as the issue of scientific autonomy, the issue of scientific knowledge and its dissemination, and the issue of scientific knowledge and its dissemination. These challenges will continue to be important as we navigate the complex and rapidly changing world of science and technology.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 225 x 151 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316609385