Furthermore, once created, a cultural resource generates…
““Furthermore, once created, a cultural resource generates public debates whose forms, tones, and terms differ considerably from those used by scientists involved in the production of the scientific knowledge that gave birth to this resource. The arguments used in scientific disputes (logic, verifiability, controlled experiment, disciplinary consensus, technical apparatus, negotiated and agreed upon standards of measurement and presentation, and so on) lose their convincing power and are replaced by such 'social' arguments as economic utility, political expediency, ideological conformity, traditional authority, and cultural affinity. A cultural resource acquires a life of its own, evolving in accord with its own environment (of which science per se constitutes only a small part). The transformation of scientific knowledge into a cultural resource thus undermines scientists' control over their 'products' and its applications. It opens the scientific discipline from which this cultural resource emerged to invasion by 'outsiders' - whether competing disciplinary groups or politicians - eroding its professional autonomy, disciplinary boundaries, and established scientific cultures. Yet it also helps set the agendas of future research and recruit new generations of practitioners by firing up people's imaginations with fantastic tales of scientific pursuits, be it a search for a cancer cure or a quest for immortality.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When scientific knowledge becomes cultural, social arguments dominate, shifting control away from scientists.
In simple terms: Cultural perception of science replaces technical arguments, reducing scientists’ control.
Recognize the social dynamics shaping scientific discourse.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research funding
- public debates
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientists retain influence in public debates?
- What role should society play in scientific progress?
May generalize complex interactions.