Abstract

For most, science now has the mantle of authority once possessed by philosophy and theology. But there are reasons for caution in the appeal to scientific authority in human affairs, as in philosophy and theology. There are limits to the methods of science as well as an extraordinary number of examples of the serious misuse of science and its authority. Recognizing the limitations of science and the fallibility of human beings can enhance understanding of both theory and policy, and place science and its authority in proper perspective.