Science on the Ropes

In this controversial essay, Carlos Elías addresses the worldwide phenomenon that is threatening the scientific and economic progress of Western countries. The rise and influence of magic and irrationality in the media, in social networks and at universities is a disturbing phenomenon: many Western students no longer want to pursue STEM (Science, Technologies, Engineering, and Math) careers. This lucid and well-written book addresses one of the key issues of public debate: the deteriorating state of science in Western countries and their governments, and its rise in Asian countries. The author compares two distinct models: the Spanish or Latin model, which closed the door on science with the Counter-Reformation, and that employed by a second group of countries where science was encouraged. Elías suggests that a similar development could now be taking place between Western countries (where the press, television and social science academics are becoming increasingly critical towards science) and Asia, where most prime ministers (and other politicians) are scientists or engineers.
This book is intended for STEM educators (both at secondary schools and universities), scientists and academics interested in scientific culture in the era of fake news.

Analyzes the decline of science and scientific culture in today's Western societies and compares it with the increase in Asian countries

Offers a critical perspective about the complex process of science production in a system dominated by the mass media culture

Updates the concept of "two cultures -science vs. literacy and social science-" and the conflict between them in the 21st century

Autorentext

The author is a former scientist and journalist and now is full professor of Journalism, Science and Society at the Carlos III University of Madrid and UNED (The Spanish Open University). His research focuses on the relationship between policy-making, science, technology and mass media culture. He has been a visiting scholar at the London School of Economics and at Harvard University. He is one of the European academics most interested in uniting the two cultures of Snow - science and humanities - as a way to improve the economic, social and cultural future of Europe.

Inhalt

• Introduction

• Preparing the trip

• Why is there a decline in science?

• An economic system that strangles science

• Films and television in the collapse of the science culture

• Postmodern philosophy, university and academic power in favor of irrationality

• Literary (and mythological) hegemony vs. scientific decadence

• Science in the art

• Journalistic (and media) culture and the collapse of science popularization

• Impact Journals and Science

• Scientific language locked in the closet

• Where does it take us to strangle reason and science?

• Epilogue