The history of science and medicine has long been steeped in the notion that they are objective(untainted by the philosophical and ideological ebbs and flows of society)and utilitarian(doing what is best for the great...The history of science and medicine has long been steeped in the notion that they are objective(untainted by the philosophical and ideological ebbs and flows of society)and utilitarian(doing what is best for the greater good).Because of this,scientific and medical epistemologies and praxis are often held to an esteem that is unquestioned,celebrated,and occasionally unchecked.A closer look at the history of science and medicine,however,readily reveal the extent to which the milieu of society has informed scientific and medical endeavors.As such,an understanding of how the subjectivities of scientific and medical endeavors situate within our contemporary disciplines and practices is significant to one’s ability to truly understand said disciplines.Likewise,such an evaluation will provide insight into our role in perpetuating the illusion of objectivity in these fields.With this in mind,this paper provides a philosophical and historical examination of the concept of objectivity(in contrast to subjectivity)in science and medicine.展开更多
文摘The history of science and medicine has long been steeped in the notion that they are objective(untainted by the philosophical and ideological ebbs and flows of society)and utilitarian(doing what is best for the greater good).Because of this,scientific and medical epistemologies and praxis are often held to an esteem that is unquestioned,celebrated,and occasionally unchecked.A closer look at the history of science and medicine,however,readily reveal the extent to which the milieu of society has informed scientific and medical endeavors.As such,an understanding of how the subjectivities of scientific and medical endeavors situate within our contemporary disciplines and practices is significant to one’s ability to truly understand said disciplines.Likewise,such an evaluation will provide insight into our role in perpetuating the illusion of objectivity in these fields.With this in mind,this paper provides a philosophical and historical examination of the concept of objectivity(in contrast to subjectivity)in science and medicine.