The Limits of Dissensus: The Case of “Intelligent Design”
Although dissensus is a natural component of argumentation and testimony, there are limits as to what can be considered acceptable contrarian or arguments. In science, dissenting arguments are limited by the extent of their fidelity to known facts and theories. Dissensus is therefore limited by how consistent a new theory or hypothesis is with an established body of knowledge, as well as other criteria any good theory must meet. In the case of the so-called “intelligent design” controversy, the supposed “dissensus” is really an attempt at imposing inappropriate forms of argument. Using this case study as an example, questions on what are the limits of dissensus will be raised and examined.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy
Part I. Of the General Nature and Advantages of the Study of Physical Sciences: 1. Of man 2. Of abstract science 3. Of the nature and objects Part II. Of the Principles on which Physical Science Relies for its Successful Prosecution, and the Rules by which a Systematic Examination of Nature Should be Conducted, with Illustrations of their Influence as Exemplified in the History of its Progress: 4. Of experience 5. Of the analysis of phenomena 6. Of the state of physical science in general 7. Of the observation of facts and the collection of instances 8. Of the classification of natural objects and phenomena 9. Of the first stage of induction 10. Of the higher degrees of inductive generalisation Part III. Of the Subdivision of Physics into Distinct Branches, and their Mutual Relations: 11. Of the phenomena of forces 12. Of the communication of motion through bodies 13. Of cosmical phenomena 14. Of the examination of the material constituents of the world 15. Of the imponderable forms of matter 16. Of the causes of the actual rapid advance of the physical sciences.
The Soviet Home Front, 1941-1945: A Social and Economic History of the USSR in World War II
List of tables and maps Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations and technical terms Part 1: On the Eve 1. Building Socialism 2. The Great Patriotic War 3. The State in Wartime Part 2: Soviet Society at War 4. Mobilisation 5. Subsistence and Survival 6. The Social Order Part 3: The Productive Effort 7. Fortress of the Rear 8. Labour: The 'Ultimate Bottleneck' 9. 'In Labour as in Combat' 10. Production: The Power of Victory 11. Planning: 'The Military-Economic Staff' Epilogue Tables Important dates References Maps Index