Introduction

The notion of science has been a dominant and enduring feature of Western thought since at least the time of Bacon. It could be said that in one way or another, ‘science’ permeates every aspect of modem life. This is evident in terms of the large investment in science by Western (and, increasingly, by Eastern and third world) societies, in debates over the impact of science on society and so on. These are reflections of the value attached to science as a means of producing reliable knowledge. As a consequence of its prestige and value, science is well developed, highly funded and protected: a major and powerful institution in modern societies.