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A Social History of Truth Steven Shapin

A Social History of Truth By Steven Shapin

A Social History of Truth by Steven Shapin


£19.90
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Condition - Very Good
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Summary

This work employs detailed historical narrative to argue about the establishment of factual knowledge both in science and in everyday practice. Accounts of gentlemen-philosophers are used to illustrate the study's claim that trust is imperative for constituting every kind of knowledge.

A Social History of Truth Summary

A Social History of Truth by Steven Shapin

How do we come to trust our knowledge of the world? What are the means by which we distinguish true from false accounts? Why do we credit one observational statement over another? This study engages these universal questions through a recreation of a crucial period in the history of early modern science: the social world of gentlemen-philosophers in 17th-century England. The author paints a picture of the relations between gentlemanly culture and scientific practice. He argues that problems of credibility in science were practically solved through the codes and conventions of genteel conduct: trust, civility, honour, and integrity. These codes formed, and arguably still form, an important basis for securing reliable knowledge about the natural world. Shapin uses detailed historical narrative to argue about the establishment of factual knowledge both in science and in everyday practice. Accounts of the mores and manners of gentlemen-philosophers are used to illustrate Shapin's broad claim that trust is imperative for constituting every kind of knowledge. Knowledge-making is always a collective enterprise: people have to know whom to trust in order to know something about the natural world.

Additional information

GOR005618690
9780226750194
0226750191
A Social History of Truth by Steven Shapin
Used - Very Good
Paperback
The University of Chicago Press
19951115
512
Winner of American Sociological Association Science, Knowledge & Technology Section Robert K. Merton Award 1998
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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