Cosmopolitics I

This philosophical inquiry examines the role and authority of science in society, challenging its claims to objectivity. It advocates for a cosmopolitics that embraces diverse practices and perspectives in scientific discourse.

In Cosmopolitics I, Isabelle Stengers delves into the complex relationship between science and society, challenging the notion that science holds the exclusive key to understanding the universe. Drawing on her extensive philosophical background, Stengers critiques the claims of objectivity and rationality often associated with scientific endeavors. She posits that science is not merely a vehicle for uncovering pre-existing truths but rather a constructive process that shapes knowledge through specific practices and interactions.

Stengers explores a variety of themes essential to modern science, including the development of physical-mathematical concepts from Galilean mechanics to quantum theory, as well as the implications of biological reductionism. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of scientific practices and the social dynamics that influence them, arguing for an ecology of practices. This approach acknowledges the evolution of scientific knowledge while highlighting the obligations and constraints that arise from these practices.

Ultimately, Stengers advocates for a cosmopolitics that encourages critical examination of all assumptions and facts, rather than accepting them at face value. This perspective seeks to bridge the divide between the natural and social sciences, as well as the modern and traditional ways of knowing. By promoting a more inclusive dialogue among competing practices and interests, Stengers presents a profound political and ethical challenge, urging readers to reconsider the foundations of scientific authority and its role in contemporary society.