Science as Social Existence

Abstract

In this bold and original study, Jeff Kochan constructively combines the sociology of scientific knowledge (SSK) with Martin Heidegger’s early existential conception of science. Kochan shows convincingly that these apparently quite different approaches to science are, in fact, largely compatible, even mutually reinforcing. By combining Heidegger with SSK, Kochan argues, we can explicate, elaborate, and empirically ground Heidegger’s philosophy of science in a way that makes it more accessible and useful for social scientists and historians of science. Likewise, incorporating Heideggerian phenomenology into SSK renders SKK a more robust and attractive methodology for use by scholars in the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). Kochan’s ground-breaking reinterpretation of Heidegger also enables STS scholars to sustain a principled analytical focus on scientific subjectivity, without running afoul of the orthodox subject-object distinction they often reject. Science as Social Existence is the first book of its kind, unfurling its argument through a range of topics relevant to contemporary STS research. These include the epistemology and metaphysics of scientific practice, as well as the methods of explanation appropriate to social scientific and historical studies of science. Science as Social Existence puts concentrated emphasis on the compatibility of Heidegger’s existential conception of science with the historical sociology of scientific knowledge, pursuing this combination at both macro- and micro-historical levels. Beautifully written and accessible, Science as Social Existence puts new and powerful tools into the hands of sociologists and historians of science, cultural theorists of science, Heidegger scholars, and pluralist philosophers of science.

Filmic Depiction of Malay Subjectivity in the Late Yasmin Ahmad’s Films

“…Subjectivity can be understood as drawn within the framing of a world picture. Furthermore, it can be “analytically deconstructed and reconstructed in a process” which discloses “a mode of understanding which enables ‘restraints’ in the face of the irresistibility of enframing” (Kochan, 2017, p. 360). Yasmin’s films can then be understood to demonstrate two processes: (a) deconstruction of reality in conceptual acts of dramatization and (b) reconstruction of the whole work as the sum of interacting parts.…”

What makes Indonesian government officials believe in and implement evidence-based policy: The mediating role of religion-science compatibility beliefs

“…In the case of cadaver organ donation in India, these misconceptions encourage individuals to have bad beliefs about the case and then make individuals disapprove of practicing such activity [ 53 ]. Indeed, with the right information and evidence, coupled with the backing of religious leaders, it's possible to sway beliefs and achieve increased rates of donations in cities, even in the absence of a donor list [ 40 , 53 , 54 ]. Therefore, an individual with the belief that science and religion are compatible tends to believe in EBP.…”

Hilbert mathematics versus (or rather “without”) Gödel mathematics: V. Ontomathematics!

“…Michel Foucault ended his famous work "Les Mots et les Choses: Une archéologie des sciences humaines" (1966) with the picturesque and frequently cited metaphor elucidating 22 Harries 2010. Nonetheless, there exist papers about Heidegger's viewpoint to mathematics or to natural sciences (e.g., Kochan 2017;Ma, Brakel 2014;Bagni 2010;Dea 2009;McManus 2007;Glazebrook 2000a: Roubach 1997Kovacs 1990;Kockelmans 1985;Rouse 1985;Kolb 1983;Kisiel 1977) ; also in comparison with Husserl (e.g., Carson 2010;Videla 1994;Kockelmans 1989;Cahoone 1986;Kisiel 1973; quite clearly Heidegger's own position on "humanism" especially briefly and visually as a vanishing figure drawn on the ocean beach sand, which the next tide will obliterate.…”