Original scientific paper

WHO HAS WON THE SCIENCE WARS?

Darko POLŠEK ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zagreb

Abstract

Bogdanov affair in astrophysics is strikingly similar to Sokal’s
in "cultural studies". This paper discusses similarities between
Sokal and Bogdanov affairs, especially the outrageous
methods and behaviour of brothers Bogdanov, and
concludes that the latter affair has shown that natural
sciences and natural scientists are not beyond reproach,
beyond criteria of cogency, validity and criticism, as was
once suggested by Sokal’s affair. This has a broader morale:
Since "high science" is understood by fewer scholars, such
science is sometimes more prone to outrageous hypothesis
which would not be tolerated in the more common ones.
Therefore, there has to be at least a symmetry in critical
approach to scientific claims: neither the type of science, nor
the fame of scientists should provide a guarantee of proper
conduct and scientific methodology. The paper discusses
various meanings of symmetry in scientific approach to
science, and discussing "trust" and "distrust" in science
suggests a description of the s.c. "circle of credibility".

Keywords

Bogdanov affair; Sokal affair; symmetry of criticism; circle of credibility

Hrčak ID:

45793

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/45793

Publication date:

29.12.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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