Challenges - Softcover

Lang, Serge

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0387948619 ISBN 13: 9780387948614

Publisher: Springer, 1997

Synopsis

This collection, based on several of Lang's "Files" deals with the area where the worlds of science and academia meet those of journalism and politics: social organisation, government, and the roles that education and journalism play in shaping opinions. In discussing specific cases in which he became involved, Lang addresses general questions of standards: standards of journalism, discourse, and of science. Recurring questions concern how people process information and misinformation; inhibition of critical thinking and the role of education; how to make corrections, and how attempts at corrections are sometimes obstructed; the extent to which we submit to authority, and whether we can hold the authorities accountable; the competence of so-called experts; and the use of editorial and academic power to suppress or marginalize ideas, evidence, or data that do not fit the tenets of certain establishments. By treating case studies and providing extensive documentation, Lang challenges some individuals and establishments to reconsider the ways they exercise their official or professional responsibilities.

About this title

Synopsis

This collection, based on several of Lang's "Files," deals with the area where science and academia meet the worlds of journalism and politics: social organization, government, and the roles that education and journalism play in shaping opinions leading to policy decisions. In discussing specific cases in which he became involved, Lang addresses general questions of standards: standards of journalism, standards of discourse, and standards of science.

Recurring questions concern: - How people process information and how misinformation is spread and accepted - Inhibition of critical thinking and the role of education: teaching students to think clearly and independently -- or conditioning them to accept dominant modes of perception uncritically - How to make corrections, and how attempts at corrections are sometimes obstructed - The extent to which we submit to the authority of those higher up, and whether one can keep the higher ups accountable, possibly in the face of evasions, stonewalling, and intimidation - The competence of so-called experts - Our responsibility for what we say or write - The use of editorial and academic power to suppress or marginalize ideas, evidence, or data that do not fit the tenets of certain establishments By dealing with case studies and providing extensive documentation, Lang challenges some individuals and establishments, at the same time that he challenges us to reconsider the ways they exercise their

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387948619
• ISBN 13: 9780387948614
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 826