--Boundary (ID zG6AZ5QlevKLZSo1kBMA7A) In science education the attack is on science itself. The "new" (irrational) view of science is that it is subjective, culturally determined, no different from non-science, and a useful tool but non-explanatory of the universe. This is in contrast to the rational view that science is objective, universally valid, different from non-science, and explanatory as well as useful. Exactly the same "new" view of science was promoted in the 1930=FEs by Germany's National socialists (see R. Brady's 1937 The Spirit and Structure of German Fascism). This "new" view, then, is not only old but is also in agreement with the views of the most backward elements of our century. Further, there are direct connections between the advocates of non-science today and those of the 1930's. Jacques Derrida, leader of post-modernism, calls himself a disciple of Nazi philosopher Heidegger and Derrida's own pupil, American Paul de Man, was a pro-Nazi journalist in Belgium. It is no coincidence that the same four characteristics of science are being attacked today as in the 1930's. They are the defining characteristics of science, wich make it science. Without them, science is reduced to a par with crystal ball gazing as a source of knowledge. Further, now anything can be elevated to become "science", including creationism, astrology, ESP, chariots of the gods and Nazi racial and biological "science". What practical purpose might the modern critique of science end up accomplishing? Certainly it will not change the actual instrumental practice of science under the direction of the ruling class. Modern weapons, for example, will still be produced by objective rational science. The key purpose served by the current attack on science is ideological. First, it negates the value of scientific thinking among the people. Second, it gives a scientific veneer and hence credibility to whatever strengthens ruling class ideology and politics. It is definitely important to keep in mind that the current assault on rationality is not only backward but dangerous. After all, it was Hitler himself who declared that "We are now at the end of the Age of Reason. The intellect has grown aristocratic and has become a disease of life." Shawgi Tell University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education [EMAIL PROTECTED] --Boundary (ID zG6AZ5QlevKLZSo1kBMA7A)--
