Instruments of Science or Conquest? Neocolonialism and Modern American Astronomy

Author:

Swanner, Leandra

Title:

Instruments of Science or Conquest? Neocolonialism and Modern American Astronomy

Periodical:

Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences

Year:

2017

Volume:

47

Pages:

293-319

Subject:

Astronomical observatories Mauna Kea controversy Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

Summary:

The author argues that the debate over the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) can best be understood as an exemplar of “neocolonialist science.” For indigenous groups who object to science on sacred lands, science has effectively become an agent of colonization. Although scientists are understandably reluctant to equate their professional activities with cultural annihilation, dismissing this unflattering neocolonialist image of modern science has both ethical and practical consequences: Native communities continue to report feeling victimized while scientists’ efforts to expand their research programs suffer social, legal, and economic setbacks.

Label:

Mauna Kea - Commentary

URL:

https://doi.org/10.1525/hsns.2017.47.3.293

Date:

June 2017

Collection:

Periodicals