Introduction: Some Preliminary Considerations on Science and Civil Society

Abstract

Until now, the interest displayed in civil society by historians and political scientists has not found much echo among historians of science. This is regrettable, because the doctrine of civil society offers historians of science a means of investigating the relationship between the forms of social life characteristic of civil society (voluntary associations, civic institutions, etc.) and engagement with science. The doctrine of civil society also permits historians to inquire into how science either legitimates or undermines political authority. Most importantly, civil society permits an analysis of the basis of science's public authority. As the articles in this collection show, the attempt to occupy the position of representing science as public knowledge has been a central concern of social and professional groups in a wide variety of settings.

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