The Limits of Scientific Reason: Habermas, Foucault, and Science as a Social Institution

This book explores the effects of scientific reason as it migrates from specialized institutions into society, examining how science permeates shared human consciousness and restructures relations between discourses, institutions, and power. It argues for a non-reductive, liberal scientific naturalism that sees science as one form of rationality amongst others, opening possibilities for thought and action beyond scientific knowledge. It also examines the work of Foucault and Habermas in terms of their social, political, and historical contexts, and raises the question of philosophy and how philosophical critique is directed towards science while accommodating it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This book delves into the profound impact of scientific reason as it permeates society, shedding light on its transformative effects. It explores how science intertwines with power, politics, discourses, and practices, shaping the very fabric of social arrangements and influencing our perceptions of what is natural and unquestionable. By advocating for a non-reductive, liberal scientific naturalism, the book opens up new avenues for thought and action that extend beyond the confines of scientific knowledge.

The book critically examines the works of Habermas and Foucault, two influential giants of 20th-century continental philosophy. It delves into the intricate relationship between science, society, power, and discourses, tracing the shifting historical dynamics between these elements. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book highlights the ways in which science permeates the collective human consciousness, exerting profound effects that ripple through the entire social body. It explores how science constructs and perpetuates certain social arrangements, presenting them as natural and unquestionable, while simultaneously marginalizing alternative perspectives.

At the same time, the book recognizes the emancipatory potential of science and its ability to challenge dominant ideologies and power structures. It advocates for a non-reductive approach to scientific naturalism, which sees science as one form of rationality among others. This perspective opens up possibilities for thought and action that transcend the boundaries of scientific knowledge, enabling us to engage with the broader social and ethical dimensions of our existence.

In addition to its critical examination of the works of Habermas and Foucault, the book also explores the broader social, political, and historical contexts in which these thinkers operated. It examines the Enlightenment tradition upon which they drew, highlighting its emancipatory ideals and the radicalization of this tradition by Foucault. The significant differences between the two thinkers are explored, with Foucault's focus on power, discipline, and governmentality being seen as a departure from Habermas's emphasis on communicative rationality and democratic discourse.

The book raises important philosophical questions about the role of science in shaping our understanding of the world and the good life. It prompts us to reflect on the ethical implications of scientific progress and the responsibilities we hold as individuals and societies in navigating the complex interplay between science, power, and social justice. By engaging with the ideas presented in this book, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities and implications of scientific reason in our modern world and develop a more critical and nuanced perspective on the social, political, and ethical challenges we face.

Weight: 653g
Dimension: 229 x 160 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538157787