Scientific Strategies in Human Affairs: To Tell The Truth by Irwin D. J. Bross (review)

Abstract

and social values, the question of primacy of politics over science, and the utilitarian role of science, is followed by extensive notes, a detailed bibliography divided into categories of publications (numerous articles in Perspectives are cited), an appendix on source materials and organizations, and data on pertinent research. The book reflects the careful exploration by the author, who is on the faculty of the University of Bielefeld, of a subject for which he obviously feels much concern. Published in Germany, in German, it is nevertheless international in scope. Parts of the work may seem overly complex to biologists and physicians even if they are fluent in German, but they will also find much that is familiar. The limitation of examples to a rather narrow area of biology (it is tempting to suggest modification of the subtitle to "Untersuchungen an Beispielen der modernen Biologie") must be kept in mind by potential readers. Its value as a reference book should make it well worth looking into. It is unfortunate, but unimportant, that translation of the German words "Wissen" and "Wissenschaftler" in the title as "knowledge" and "scientist" loses the linguistic connection between knowledge and the person who has the responsibility , or the obligation, to be its purveyor. As scientific research continues on a course ofincreasing specialization, and as biologists and physicians must make ever more extensive use of technology, it becomes essential not only that scientists help the public understand what they are doing but abo that scientists, particularly those in biology and medicine, remain aware that they must not detach themselves from their humanitarian obligations. A book ofthis kind raises, and perhaps answers, important questions in this regard. For scientists are themselves human beings, with the same human needs as those of their fellowmen who, by choice or necessity, are engaged in other pursuits. Elisabeth F. Lanzl Franklin McLean Memorial Research Institute University of Chicago Scientific Strategies in Human Affairs: To Tell The Truth. By Irwin D. J. Bross. Hicksville, N.Y.: Exposition Press, 1976. Pp. 174. $6.50. The main purpose of this book, says its redoubtable author, is to "examine specific ways and means to improve communication processes that are necessary for effective action on our major public problems." It is a most laudable aim and is much needed. But that splendid aim raises a number of problems best exemplified by the individual or especially the group Wfio really has nothing to communicate but nevertheless "communicates" by word of mouth or publication . There are many public and institutional pressures to account for this fruitless activity. It is indeed· true that language often serves to hide the truth, as is explicitly explained in this book. The exploration on how to recognize truth is invaluable. Yet the basic mechanisms of the "big lie"—against which Bross justifiably inveighs—is not linguistic. Language is a vehicle that helps to make the big lie 466Book Reviews work which, however, is based on a profoundly grounded phenomenon in man: cupidity on the part ofthe exponent ofthe big lie and stupidity on the part ofthe people lied to. Thus it becomes a matter of the societal mores—in business and in other social interactions that need a change. When we fix our gaze on the perfidies produced through language, which are there, we often miss the point, the basic reason, and place our reliance on an instrument (language) while the basic problems lie ebewhere. The law, for example, serves as an adversary situation and an expediency , rather than as a search for truth—wherever it may lie. No amount of language reform will alter the basic philosophy and practice of law, in which the seeds of intellectual dishonesty are implicit. There are dozens of examples. Nonetheless, Bross's reminder that language is used as a game rather than as a tool toward probity is most praiseworthy. We need such reminders. In fact, in the first chapter he assesses our use of language: his ideal is to prove that honesty is the best policy. I must ask, for whom? For self ? For society? He says that the big lie is the other alternative. Here again we must look at ethics rather than language. In other words...