UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 12, Page 3
November 18, 1993
Critical overview; Book explores Western science in a global context

     The relationship between Western science and a global, multicultural
society is explored in a new book edited by Sandra Harding, professor of
philosophy.
     The 'Racial' Economy of Science, Toward a Democratic Future, published
by the Indiana University Press, is a compendium of more than 33 essays and
statements, giving a critical overview of Western science and its
applications and impact on racial and gender issues and Third World
countries.
     As Harding writes in the preface, the book "is intended to show the
richness and diversity of critical reflections on how Western sciences have
been located in world history, to draw attention to the achievements and
resources of scientific traditions in other cultures and to stimulate
thought about how to link scientific work more closely to
democracy-advancing projects."
     Harding said that the disenfranchised peoples of this and Third World
countries do not always benefit from science but frequently pay the price
for scientific achievements. Toxic waste dumping in Africa; dangerous,
unregulated industries in Third World countries; scientific experimentation
and exploitation using women and the poor are some of the topics that need
to be addressed, she said.
     Harding has been teaching a course that deals with race, gender and
science for several years, and there was no text covering the subject
matter. Readings on the topic were scattered, and she spent much time
collecting  material out of journals and other sources for her students,
she recalled. With a fellowship from the University's Institute for
Advanced Studies in 1989-90, and a visiting appointment in women's studies
and philosophy at the University of California at Los Angeles in 1992 , she
researched the topic in depth. The result is The 'Racial' Economy of
Science.
     The book has been lauded by Harding's peers. Darlene Clark Hine, a
leading African-American professor of history at Michigan State University
and a former visiting professor at Delaware, wrote, " This brilliantly
edited book is essential reading for all who seek understanding of the
multicultural debates of our age. Never has a book been more timely."
     Donna J. Haraway, a feminist historian of science at the University of
California at Santa Cruz, wrote, "This is the book I have longed to have
for my teaching about science and politics, science as cultural production
and feminist theories of science and technology."
     President of the South American History of Science Association,
Ubiratan D'Ambrosio writes, "Those looking for multiple sources of
approaches to social studies of science, both from different disciplines
and from distinct cultural backgrounds, will find this book particularly
rewarding."
     The book is divided into six sections. The first, "Early Non-Western
Scientific Traditions," explores the contributions to different sciences
(largely unacknowledged by Western scientific history) of the Chinese, the
Africans and Semites, and the ancient Peruvians.
     "Science Constructs 'Race'" is an examination of systems of racial
classification and their fallacies, and the counter-research carried out to
refute these concepts.
     "Who Gets to Do Science?" explores discrimination against women,
African-American and non-Western scientists. There is also a description of
the creative science found among indigenous populations who understand and
explore their environment with curiosity and knowledge.
     "Science's Technologies and Applications"  discusses experiments using
the poorest and powerless in society, the problems of pollution and how
society is abusing earthly resources in the name of science.
     "Objectivity, Method and Nature: Value Neutral?" discusses the Nazis'
abuse of science and how biased and flawed research has had an impact on
society.
     "The Future: Toward A Democratic Strategy for World Sciences"
concludes with the "Declaration" of a Crisis in Modern Science conference,
sponsored by the Third World Network and the Consumers' Association, held
in 1986 in Penang, Malaysia, which offers some general statements about
standards for scientific research.
     Other books by Harding include Whose Science? Whose Knowledge?:
Thinking from Women Lives and The Science Question in Feminism.
     Harding has been asked to speak at the History of Science Association
meeting in Los Alamos this month and to serve on the United Nations
Committee on Women, Science, Technology and Development, beginning in
December.
                                                  -Sue Swyers Moncure