Science, Democracy, and the New Fundamentalism: A Critical Examination

In the wake of the rise of new forms of fundamentalism, the relationship between science and democracy has come under increasing scrutiny. The traditional model of science as a neutral and objective source of knowledge is no longer tenable, and science is increasingly being used to justify political and ideological agendas.

This book examines the complex relationship between science and democracy in the context of the rise of new forms of fundamentalism. It argues that the traditional model of science as a neutral and objective source of knowledge is no longer tenable, and that science is increasingly being used to justify political and ideological agendas. The book also argues that the rise of new forms of fundamentalism is a threat to both science and democracy, and that it is important to develop new ways of thinking about the relationship between these two important concepts.

The March of Unreason: Science, Democracy, and the New Fundamentalism

by Dick Taverne

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	956 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Rise of New Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism is a term that is often used to describe a religious movement that is characterized by a strict adherence to traditional beliefs and practices. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of fundamentalism in many parts of the world, and this has led to a number of challenges for science and democracy.

One of the most significant challenges is the way that fundamentalists often reject the authority of science. For example, many fundamentalists believe that the Earth was created in six days, and they reject the scientific evidence that shows that the Earth is billions of years old. This rejection of science can have a number of negative consequences, including the spread of misinformation and the undermining of public health.

Another challenge is the way that fundamentalists often seek to impose their beliefs on others. For example, some fundamentalists have tried to ban the teaching of evolution in schools, and they have also tried to pass laws that would discriminate against people who do not share their religious beliefs. These attempts to impose religious beliefs on others can be a serious threat to democracy.

The Threat to Science and Democracy

The rise of new fundamentalism is a threat to both science and democracy. The rejection of science by fundamentalists can lead to the spread of misinformation and the undermining of public health. The attempts by fundamentalists to impose their beliefs on others can be a serious threat to democracy.

It is important to note that not all fundamentalists are anti-science or anti-democratic. However, the rise of new forms of fundamentalism is a serious threat to both science and democracy, and it is important to be aware of the challenges that this poses.

New Ways of Thinking

In the face of the challenges posed by the rise of new fundamentalism, it is important to develop new ways of thinking about the relationship between science and democracy.

One way to do this is to recognize that science is not a neutral and objective source of knowledge. Science is a human endeavor, and it is therefore subject to the same biases and limitations as any other human activity.

Another way to think about the relationship between science and democracy is to recognize that science is a public good. Science benefits all of society, and it is therefore important to protect science from the threats posed by fundamentalism.

Finally, it is important to remember that science and democracy are not mutually exclusive. Science can be used to inform democratic decision-making, and democracy can provide the necessary safeguards to protect science from the threats posed by fundamentalism.

The rise of new fundamentalism is a serious threat to both science and democracy. It is important to be aware of the challenges that this poses, and to develop new ways of thinking about the relationship between these two important concepts. By working together, we can protect science and democracy from the threats posed by fundamentalism.

The March of Unreason: Science, Democracy, and the New Fundamentalism

by Dick Taverne

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	956 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE