'74PODCAST

URBAN NATURE - Episode 10: Sheila Jasanoff and Gabriel Kozlowski

Nov 27, 2024
Sheila Jasanoff, a leading scholar in Science and Technology Studies at Harvard, engages in a compelling dialogue about the intertwined nature of science, society, and the environment. She argues that science is not merely a reflection of nature but is significantly shaped by societal choices and power dynamics. The discussion tackles topics like biotechnology's ethical implications, the philosophical exploration of modernity through science fiction, and the necessity of integrating local environmental responsibilities with global climate strategies.
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ANECDOTE

Bengali Roots Shape Nature View

  • Sheila Jasanoff grew up in Calcutta, deeply influenced by Bengali poetry and the spiritual view of nature.
  • Her father’s connection with Rabindranath Tagore shaped her formative understanding of nature’s spiritual significance.
INSIGHT

Nature-Culture Divide Is Cultural

  • The modern nature-culture divide is a product of Western modernity, not universal across cultures.
  • Many cultures, like India, see natural objects as intertwined with the sacred, defying strict separation.
INSIGHT

Science as Representation, Not Reflection

  • Science no longer faithfully mirrors nature but represents it through human mediation and power structures.
  • Scientific facts are chosen and constructed, shaped by social values and political decisions.
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