Complexity Thinking: Science in the Age of Alternative Truths

Download or read book Complexity Thinking: Science in the Age of Alternative Truths written by Cornelis Pieter Pieters and published by Austin Macauley Publishers. This book was released on 2024-04-26 with total page 423 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many scholars agree that we are currently living in post-ideological times, and that the role of religion and social ideology has become increasingly limited as a means to organise society. Some even talk of a ‘post-truth’ era, as truth itself has become suspect, and public debate has become infected with terms such as ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative truths.’ In fact, in many scientific areas the notions of truth, objectivity and fact are being questioned, and are often even considered instruments that aim to perpetuate relationships of power of elites. This book aims to take a position in these debates by looking at the often-implicit associations behind truth, objectivity, and fact. By taking a complexity-informed, dialectical approach, a more encompassing understanding of these concepts can be developed, that both respects the formidable achievements of science, while being sensitive to the critique that has been raised, most notably by postmodern thought.