Science has come under attack in recent years from philosophers and cultural critics who have described it as, among other sins, culturally determined, too often dependent on the biases of scientists. Haack, professor of philosophy and law at the University of Miami (Manifesto of a Passionate Moderate), takes a searching look at how science interacts with and is influenced by other areas of human endeavor. This year being the 50th anniversary of Watson and Crick's discovery of the structure of DNA, Haack discusses how their writing style and in particular their use of the pronoun "we" made their now famous papers stand out. Science often interacts with the law in courts' use of expert testimony on defendants' mental state or physical evidence. Haack reviews the fascinating history of this tentative dance between law and science, and how in recent years the legal system has struggled to determine what scientific ideas can be considered as accepted beyond dispute. Religion and the concept of "intelligent design" also come under scrutiny. This chapter doesn't quite give advocates of guided evolution a fair hearing; the author overlooks some of their more subtle arguments. Haack does thoroughly demolish many of the sillier attacks on science as an expression of male domination and Western oppression and the like. With one thought-provoking discussion after another, the book is not an easy read, but those interested in the history of science and science buffs will find it to their liking. (Sept.)
