Galileo’s Middle Finger: Heretics, Activists, and One Scholar’s Search for Justice

“Smart, delightful . . . a splendidly entertaining education in ethics, activism, and science.” —The New York Times Book Review (Editor’s Choice)   An impassioned defense of intellectual freedom and a clarion call to intellectual responsibility, Galileo’s Middle Finger is one American’s eye-opening story of life in the trenches of scientific controversy. For two decades, historian Alice Dreger has led a life of extraordinary engagement, combining activist service to victims of unethical medical research with defense of scientists whose work has outraged identity politics activists. With spirit and wit, Dreger offers in Galileo’s Middle Finger an unforgettable vision of the importance of rigorous truth seeking in today’s America, where both the free press and free scholarly inquiry struggle under dire economic and political threats.   This illuminating chronicle begins with Dreger’s own research into the treatment of people born intersex (once called hermaphrodites). Realization of the shocking surgical and ethical abuses conducted in the name of “normalizing” intersex children’s gender identities moved Dreger to become an internationally recognized patient rights activist. But even as the intersex rights movement succeeded, Dreger began to realize how some fellow progressive activists were employing lies and personal attacks to silence scientists whose data revealed uncomfortable truths about humans. In researching one such case, Dreger suddenly became the target of just these kinds of attacks.   Troubled, she decided to try to understand more—to travel the country to ferret out the truth behind various controversies, to obtain a global view of the nature and costs of these battles. Galileo’s Middle Finger describes Dreger’s long and harrowing journeys between the two camps for which she felt equal empathy: social justice activists determined to win and researchers determined to put hard truths before comfort. Ultimately what emerges is a lesson about the intertwining of justice and of truth—and a lesson of the importance of responsible scholars and journalists to our fragile democracy.   Praise for Galileo’s Middle Finger: “An engrossing volume that is sure to undo any lingering notions that academic debate is the province of empiricists who pledge allegiance to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth . . . Dreger’s clear and well-paced prose makes for compelling . . . reading.” —The Chicago Tribune

Details e-book Galileo's Middle Finger

🗸 Author(s): Alice Dreger
🗸 Title: Galileo's Middle Finger: Heretics, Activists, and One Scholar's Search for Justice
🗸 Rating : 4.5 from 5 stars (283 reviews)
🗸 Languange: English
🗸 Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
🗸 Supported Devices: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle

Readers' opinions about Galileo's Middle Finger by Alice Dreger

Danet Tucker
This beautifully illustrated cookbook is a culinary journey around the world, showcasing a diverse array of delicious recipes from every corner of the globe. From exotic street food to traditional home-cooked meals, each dish is a celebration of the rich tapestry of global cuisine. With its mouthwatering photographs and easy-to-follow recipes, this book is a must-have for any aspiring chef.

Alaina Rodgers
Delve into the pages of this thought-provoking philosophical treatise, where the author grapples with some of life's most profound questions. From the nature of existence to the meaning of morality, each chapter offers a fresh perspective on the human condition. With its rigorous logic and elegant prose, this book is sure to spark lively debate and introspection.

Georgina Clark
This captivating science fiction novel transports readers to a distant future where humanity has colonized the stars and forged new alliances among the cosmos. Against the backdrop of interstellar conflict, the story follows a group of intrepid explorers as they journey to the far reaches of space in search of a lost civilization. With its gripping plot twists and richly imagined world-building, this book is a thrilling adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

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