THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND DEMOCRACY: PAUL FEYERABEND’S VIEW

Dr. Višnja Stojadinović

Dr. Miša Stojadinović, Director of the Institute

Abstract

Given the fact that the development of science and technology is one of the most distinctive feature of the modern age, it is of great, not merely theoretical, importance to re-examine the meaning, scope and position of science in contemporary democratic societies. Firstly, the auhors analyse and compare traditional understanding of science with the so called new image of science within the contemporary philosophy of science and epistemology. This kind of approach is presented through Feyerabend’s view of the very nature of science and its dominant position and power in a democratic society. In the light of the mentioned considerations, the authors indicate the shortcomings of the traditional theory of science which attributes the supremacy and success of science to its truthfulness, rationality, universal scientific method and value neutrality. Due to these reasons the authors conclude that Feyerabend’s critique of science supremacy and its dominant position today, as well as his quest for democratization of decision making regarding relevant scientific issues are justified and well grounded.

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