Some newcomers to this website may initially be circumpsect: what does science, the empirical observation and study of natural phenomena, have anything to do with social justice? The answer to this question is multifaceted, but easily summarized with: science IS social justice.
Think about it. The noblest aspect of science is research that seeks to ameliorate the human condition. Whether it be through improved computing in mathematical or computer science research or greater longevity resulting from advances in biomedicine.
Now social justice, too, can be described in the same way. In my view, social justice is the similar improvement of the human condition. In other words, if social justice is a goal, then science is one mean to that end.
I must qualify this argument with a critical disclaimer. That is, not ALL research is just. One must look no further than Nazi atrocities performed in the name of science to know that. But perhaps these problems can define science, rather than disparage it:
True science is social justice.
Nathan
Nathan, first I would like to say that you're clearly a very intelligent, driven individual. However, purely for the sake of argument, I think you are giving science credit when it is actually due to the scientist. You touched on this idea of with the reference to the Nazi atrocities, but this too is misplacing the credit, or in this case the onus, that is actually due to the scientist. It is the scientist that makes science teleological by assigning some sort of purpose to the research. Although, this entry is a good way to create the dogma that encourages this type of socially righteous science.
ReplyDelete- Greg Kollmer