Science and Narratives of Nature East and West [Hardcover]

The discourse and practice of science are deeply connected to explicit and implicit narratives of nature. However, nature has been understood in diverse ways by cultures across the world. Could these different views of nature generate the possibility of alternate views on science?

Part of the innovative series Science and Technology Studies, this volume looks at different conceptualizations of nature and the manner in which they structure the practice of the sciences. The essays draw upon philosophy, history, sociology, religion, feminism, mathematics and cultural studies, and establish a dialogue between cultures through a multi-disciplinary exploration of science.

With contributions from major scholars in the field, this volume will deeply interest scholars and students of science and technology studies; sociology, history and philosophy of science; as also environmental studies.

Introduction 1.Post-Humanist Narratives of (non-)Nature and the Sciences Stephen Healy 2.Nature, Body and Woman: An Indian Perspective on Value DualismsMeera Baindur 3.Homosexuality in the West: A Tightrope Walk between Christianity and Science Yiftach Fehige4.Feminist Philosophy of Science and Postcolonial Science Studies Kathleen Okruhlik5. Is Food Natural or Cultural? Food, Body and the Social in Indian Medical Traditions V. Sujatha 6.Placing and Moving Knowledge: East and West, North and SouthStephen Bocking 7.Why did Exchange of Knowledge across Eurasia Generate a Scientific Revolution in the West? Arun Bala 8.Nineteenth-Century Science and Western Materialism Bernard Lightman 9.Eastern Mathematics, Western Mathematics: Shall the Twain Ever Meet? George Gheverghese Joseph 10.Naturelc'