Re: [asa] Political posts

On Nov 23, 2009, at 12:52 PM, Gregory Arago wrote:

> Hi Bill,
>
> In short, you're gonna need a whole heckofa lot more of the field known as 'science studies' (originally called naukovedeniye) taught in America in order to enable such a conversation to take place. I do of course applaud the idea as you propose it. Btw, 'political science' is called 'political studies' or 'politology' in other parts of the world, and *most* people on this ASA list don't consider it to be *real* 'science,' which in their minds means 'natural-physical sciences.' But then again, the utter depravity of philosophy in the minds of most North Americans is an indication that change doesn't come about too quickly. 'Yes we can!' is a nice slogan, but the results of sloganeering are not so simply observed in society and in the hearts of people.
>
> Repectful regards from Russia,
> Gregory
>

Gregory you need to distinguish this list from the ASA itself. Note this from the ASA web page on who can be full members. Look who can join. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

> Full membership is open to all persons with at least a bachelor’s degree in science who can give assent to our statement of faith. Science is interpreted broadly to include anthropology, archeology, economics, engineering, history, mathematics, medicine, political science, psychology, and sociology as well as the generally recognized science disciplines. Philosophers and theologians who are interested in science are very welcome.

The reason why politics is off limits on this list is the personal viscousness and the imputation of motives it tends to embody. Much of this was caused by one person who has been banned from this list. If we could just act like adults the guideline wouldn't be needed. In fact, this Summer's annual meeting is on Christianity, science and public policy.

Rich Blinne
Member ASA

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Received on Mon Nov 23 15:13:43 2009