Beyond The Science Wars, Dr. Susan Haack, University Of Miami

After the controversies of the 20th century about whether the sciences really discover truths about the world or only reflect the values of our culture, we need a realistic understanding of the methods of the sciences, and the scope and limits of the scientific enterprise.
Social Biology, Evolution, Anthropic Principle
Science has come under attack in recent years from philosophers and cultural critics who have described it as, among other sins, culturally determined, too often dependent on the biases of scientists.
Haack takes a searching look at how science interacts with and is influenced by other areas of human endeavor. Science often interacts with the law in courts' use of expert testimony on defendants' mental state or physical evidence. Haack reviews the fascinating history of this tentative dance between law and science, and how in recent years the legal system has struggled to determine what scientific ideas can be considered as accepted beyond dispute. Religion and the concept of "intelligent design" also come under scrutiny.
February 12, 2008
http://www.isepp.org/Pages/08-09%20Pa...