NATS 1760 Chapter Notes -Radioactive Contamination, Endometriosis, Herbicide
19 Jun 2013
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Document Summary
Scientism is the notion that there is an inherent divide between facts and values. Facts are superior to values in terms of credibility and cognitive authority . Only trained scientists can appropriately participate in decision-making. Social impacts and moral concerns are considered to be based on value judgments= less credible. E. g. health and safety issues (fetal research, engineered food) We accept that science and scientists are the best possibly arbiters of controversy leaving out the politics and opinions of unbiased truth. Technological progressivism is the idea in the roots of enlightenment when progress meant good and technology came to be viewed as a tool in all progressive projects. E. g. airplane technology- replacing wood with metal. With industrialization on the rise, we must rely on others. Trust experts who specialize in a certain division of labour. Experts"s assessments and decisions reflect their social location, and not necessarily the interests and concerns of non-expert citizens who are affected by their judgment.
