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The Tragedy of American Science

From Truman to Trump
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Tragedy of American Science by Clifford D. Conner explores the complex relationship between science and corporate interests in the United States. It delves into how financial motivations and political pressures often undermine scientific integrity and the public good. The book calls for reforms to restore the ethical values of scientific inquiry and prioritisation of human and environmental welfare over profits.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in exploring how economic and political interests can influence scientific research in America. It delves into the complexities and challenges of maintaining scientific integrity in the face of external pressures. This read is ideal for those curious about the intersection of science, ethics, and policy.

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A compelling and timely account of the corruption, corporatization, and militarization of science in the United States.

Reviews and publication notices in Truthout, In These Times, Monthly Review, Science for the People, Jacobin, and other left-wing journals

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Despite a façade of brilliant technological advances, American science has led humanity to the brink of interrelated disasters. In The Tragedy of American Science, historian of science Clifford D. Conner describes the dual processes by which this history has unfolded since the Second World War, addressing the corporatisation and the militarisation of science in the US.

First, he examines the role of private profit considerations in determining the direction of scientific inquiry and the ways those considerations have dangerously undermined the integrity of sciences impacting food, water, air, medicine, and the climate.

Second, Conner explores the relationship between scientific industries and the US military, discussing the innumerable financial and human scientific resources that have been diverted from other critical areas in order to further military aggrandisement and technological development.

While the underlying problems may appear intractable, Conner compellingly argues that replacing the current science-for-profit system with a science-for-human-needs system is not an impossible, utopian dream. But to get there, we'll need to grapple with this important history.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Clifford D. Conner's The Tragedy of American Science critiques the influence of military and corporate interests on American science, arguing for a shift towards research driven by human needs rather than profit. The book is praised for its analysis of how science is intertwined with cultural and political forces, and it calls for transparency and reform in scientific practices. While it explores the complex relationship between science and power, it offers a hopeful outlook on the potential for reclaiming science's integrity.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781642591279

Publisher: Haymarket Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 04 August 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Haymarket Books

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 300

About the Author

Clifford D. Conner is a historian of science at the School of Professional Studies, CUNY Graduate Center. He is the author of A People's History of Science (Bold Type Books, 2005) and biographies of three revolutionaries: Jean Paul Marat, Arthur O'Connor, and Colonel Despard.

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