SOCI 3950 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Chernobyl Disaster, Radioactive Contamination, Luddite
Document Summary
The idea that there is a natural divide between facts and values. Can be seen in plato s claim: thoughts and actions should be separated to protect 17th century. European natural philosophers work from attacks by the church and state in 20th century debates in germany over values in social science. Facts are superior to values and are distinct from one another. (creditability) Society accepts that science and scientists are the best judges of controversy and therefore, clear politics and public opinions to reveal the unbiased truth. Social impacts and moral concerns are usually based on value-judgments, therefore making them less credible/believable. However, health and safety issues are viewed in more scientific terms (facts): technological progressivism: Technology is almost self propelling and moving forward without human intervention. Technology has only one path, so there is no point in blocking the road on which it will proceed (it is always for the good).
