Conjuring Science - Scientific Symbols and Cultural Meanings in American Life

Toumey argues that instead of comprehending scientific knowledge, methods, or standards, most Americans know science only in terms of symbols that stand for science and that stand between people and scientific understanding.

About the author

CHRISTOPHER P. TOUMEY is the author of God's Own Scientists: Creationists in a Secular World (Rutgers University Press). His essays on the cultural meanings of science have appeared in Natural History, Social Studies of Science, and many other journals. 

Summary

When actors who play doctors on TV endorse certain products, what are the implications for Americans? This book investigates the role of science in American culture, and examines the symbols of scientific authority in such areas as the fluoridation controversies and mad scientist fiction stories.

Product details

• Authors: Christopher P Toumey, Christopher P. Toumey
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Behalf of Rutgers Univ Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.08.1996
• EAN: 9780813522852
• ISBN: 978-0-8135-2285-2
• No. of pages: 214
• Dimensions: 153 mm x 227 mm x 17 mm
• Weight: 327 g
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > Photography, film, video, TV; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics