Review by Choice Review
In Science and Moral Imagination, Brown (University of Texas, Dallas) challenges the widely held claim that science is value-free. On the contrary, he argues, science and values mutually influence each other. Brown claims that this influence is pervasive and should be responsibly managed, and further that science not only can but should influence our values. Central to Brown's argument is the concept of "moral imagination," which, among other things, invites us to create new ends and pursue more complex values and a more intentional life. Brown is neither an extreme optimist nor an extreme pessimist in his view of science: while we should not regard science as supremely comprehensive and authoritative, neither should we take skepticism about science too far. Instead, we should approach it pragmatically, recognizing the contingency and choice present throughout the research process. As a result, he concludes, it will become possible to approach science in a way that allows for the flourishing of moral imagination, which gives scientists the opportunity to notice the morally salient aspects of their research and understand its impact on legitimate stakeholders. Readers will especially appreciate Brown's transparency in laying out his philosophical perspectives and the clarity of his writing, which makes his otherwise academic text accessible to a wide audience. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students and faculty. --Francis A Grabowski, Rogers State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
