The Work of Evelyn Fox Keller as a Resource for Study in Science and Religion

Does it sound strange to read the singularity in the above statement? Is there a scientific account of Nature or are there multiple accounts? Biologist Ursula Goodenough wishes to persuade her readers that because there is only one story, then we can and should all get behind it and together solve the ecological crises that threaten us. The goal is worthy and the author is no doubt sincere, but still the words ring untrue. This essay draws attention to the work of Evelyn Fox Keller, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, Emeritus, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the Program in Science, Technology and Society. Keller would argue, contrary to Goodenough, that not only are there multiple scientific accounts (of Nature), but that the various accounts, theories, explanations, do not always rest easily with one another. When convergence of accounts takes place, it may happen for reasons other than that an explanation or a theory objectively fits the evidence best or is most logically coherent. Keller would argue that while science is a unique endeavor in its forms of disciplined encounter with the natural world, scientists are human actors and science is inescapably embedded in human society. This means that some effort is needed to interpret the knowledge that science provides, wherever this knowledge is encountered.