Science transformed?: debating claims of an epochal break

Abstract

"Advancements in computing, instrumentation, robotics, digital imaging, and simulation modeling are changing science into a technology-driven institution. The pragmatic interests of government, industry, and society increasingly exert their influence over science, raising questions of values and objectivity. These and other profound changes in the world of science have led many to speculate that we are in the midst of an epochal break in scientific history. This edited volume presents an in-depth examination of these issues from philosophical, historical, social, and cultural perspectives. It presents arguments both for and against the epochal break thesis in light of historical antecedents, offering an important occasion for philosophical analysis of the epistemic, institutional and moral questions affecting current and future scientific pursuits. "--P. 4 of cover