Simonelli, Richard. 1994. "Sustainable Science: A Look at Science Through Historic Eyes and Through the Eyes of Indigenous Peoples." Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society 24 (1): 1-12.

Summary:

Simonelli argues that an important component of a sustainable future is what he terms a "sustainable science." He asks, "What changes, then, in the philosophy and practice of science must take place to contribute to a sustainable future?" (p. 1). He identifies an aspect of Western science that contributes to unsustainability: its reliance on rational and thought-based ways of knowing. The consequence of this epistemology is that scientists tend to "...ignore the wholeness and inner diversity of the human being" (p. 2).

What we know is conditioned by how we know it (see p. 2).

For example, if one comes to a certain knowledge through acts of violence, her or his understanding as derived from her or his experience will be different from that of another individual whose knowledge was gained through a peaceful action. Simonelli states, "Practitioners of a sustainable science would recognize the inherent cultural bias of science; that recognition would be its own cure" (p. 3).

Simonelli describes C. P. Snow's observation of "Two Cultures" (see p. 3). One culture is the "traditional culture" or non-scientists and the other the "scientists." He calls for an integration of the knowledge of the two groups. This "third culture" would be the reconciliation between "the uncommunicative scientific and non-scientific cultures" (p. 11).

Simonelli also describes Gregory Bateson's view of knowledge and epistemology, specifically its conditional and relational nature. He then outlines three flaws evident in the scientific method: the belief that "observers" are objective; that separation and analysis is always appropriate; and the misapplication of the principles of the scientific method to all aspects of one's life, including personal relationships.

Finally, Simonelli discusses the role tribal knowledge plays as an alternative epistemology (see p. 9-11). Specifically, he reviews Don Coyhis' teachings of The Four Laws of Change: All true and lasting change begins from within; vision precedes development; for great change to take place, a great learning must occur; and last, in the forest, no tree can stay healed unless all trees are healed. Simonelli concludes by identifying environmental science as the vehicle that can reconcile "science and life."

Keywords: sustainable science, epistemology, culture, knowledge