Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
| Online Publication Date: 05 Nov 2007
Whiggism and Its Sources in Allègre's The Behavior of the Earth
Whiggism and Its Sources in Allègre's The Behavior of the Earth
Page Range: 29 – 37
Claude Allègre's recent book on the development and subsequent modification of plate tectonic theory is written from the perspective that history is a tale of progress. Analysis of the text reveals that this point of view originates from (1) a deep emotional attachment to the earth, explanatory theories of the earth, and the earth sciences; and (2) a firm conviction both that nature exists independently of those who seek to know her and that nature is knowable. Such attitudes facilitate research in science but hinder understanding of science.
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