The doubters are becoming more vocal about their concerns. The criticisms made by these groups relate to inhumane technology, environmental devastation and technocratic authoritarianism. There is more in Ziman's review and Maddox's article, but this suffices to introduce some discussion. There are particularly strong feelings about the alienating effects of technology in society and the trails of environmental destruction affecting our planet. For example, scientists are very good at developing know-how to mine a mountain, to recover fine particles of ore and to separate gold from silver and copper.
Scientists seem noticeably quiet about cleaning up after their processes have been used.
Consequently, scientists are often perceived as the servants of capitalism. There are two broad stances that can be taken regarding these criticisms. Holton, Ziman and Maddox take the first stance, giving warnings that the dissident voices are a threat to the scientific culture which has contributed so much to our civilisation. My personal view is that this first stance is unwise, and that an alternative response is needed. Something is wrong with contemporary scientific culture.