Scientific Knowledge as Cultural Icon for Modernity, and as Public Authority for a Technoscientific Age: Contradiction-in-Terms?

Abstract: Ever since the 17th Century Scientific Revolution, Science has been regarded as the essential key for modern (Western) civilisation, with the discipline of Cartesian reason controlling human passions and their threats of social disorder and chaos. Social theorists such as Merton in 1942 identified the key normative principles by which science translated this all-embracing aspirant cultural force into practical forms of knowledge-building and communication. Read more

Bio: Brian Wynne, is Professor of Science Studies at Lancaster University, and Professor II at the Institute for Technology and Culture, TIK, University of Oslo. He is also a visiting professor at the Norwegian Centre for Biosafety, Institute for Gene Ecology GenOk, University of Tromsø.

The lecture lasts from 14.15-15.00. Shortly after we have a break where we we serve coffee and tea, free of charge. From 15.15-16.00 we open up for questions, comments and discussion. Refreshments will be served after the lecture.

The lecture is part of the Science Debate project, which is a cooperative venture between the Science Library and the Fritt Ord foundation.