Re: [asa] Political posts

Rich, No need to remind. I read this that you quoted so long ago and have returned to it several times to see if its *real* (hard to believe based on the way some people speak around here!) and even quoted it myself on this list. To little avail, i'm afraid! Kinda tired of people telling me I need to do a sociological study of ASA in order to understand it. I addressed my words to Bill and to the 'ASA list,' not to ASA. That was intentional. And I addressed it to 'American' and even to 'North American' people! This should be as clear as crackerjacks upon re-reading my words. Your personal version of 'THE reason' (still can't speak non-monolithically and get rid of your 'singular' bias, huh Rich!?) of 'why politics is off limits' is indeed one version. And there's no doubt it represents a 'type' in America and of those who visit this list. You are not a 'scientist' either, by that definition, Rich! In practical *fact*, however, and I'd be willing to challenge your particular viewpoint on this until the cows come home in Montana, is that to the vast majority of members of ASA, 'science' means 'natural-physical sciences.' Do you wish to dispute this Rich? Political science is not a 'science,' or a 'generally recognized science discipline.' Such persons can just come along for the *real* ride...and, no surprise, they tend not to do so. I'm sure you know what the word 'token' means, which is how other 'sciences/fields' are treated wrt being 'sciences', or they are just ignored (e.g. anthropology!). But when you familiarize yourself with the literature on naturwissenschaften and geisteswissenschaften (e.g. Dilthey and Windelband) and other non-anglo-saxon traditions of 'science studies,' I'll be sure to pay attention to you, Rich. Cheers, Gregory ________________________________ From: Rich Blinne <rich.blinne@gmail.com> To: Gregory Arago <gregoryarago@yahoo.ca> Cc: William Hamilton <willeugenehamilton@gmail.com>; ASA List <asa@lists.calvin.edu> Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 11:13:29 PM Subject: 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 __________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

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Received on Mon Nov 23 16:54:14 2009