Galileo's Middle Finger

Heretics, Activists, and the Search for Justice in Science

By: Alice Dreger

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A powerful defense of intellectual freedom told through the ordeals of contemporary scientists attacked for exploring controversial ideas, by a noted science historian and medical activist.

An investigation of some of the most contentious debates of our time, Galileo's Middle Finger describes Alice Dreger's experiences on the front lines of scientific controversy, where for two decades she has worked as an advocate for victims of unethical research while also defending the right of scientists to pursue challenging research into human identities. Dreger's own attempts to reconcile academic freedom with the pursuit of justice grew out of her research into the treatment of people born intersex (formerly called hermaphrodites). The shocking history of surgical mutilation and ethical abuses conducted in the name of "normalizing" intersex children moved her to become a patient rights' activist. By bringing evidence to physicians and the public, she helped change the medical system.

©2015 Alice Dreger (P)2015 Gildan Media LLC

Anti- cancel culture

A somewhat discursive but ultimately satisfying tale of the USA's culture wars of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Could have done without the author's emotional travails but, as she says, that's part of her journey.

Thanks for doing what you do!

I learned a lot I didn’t know about Intersex people from this book! And am glad there’s people out there fighting against these folks who are trying to shout people out and spread lies for their own agenda.

Must Read

This is an essential read to see how science and truth get destroyed. Great information in entertaining narrative.

Superb.

Never see a doctor who hasn't read it... and appreciated it! Long live the middle finger.

Couldn't stop listening to this book

I wanted to read this book at my sister's insistance, because I love reading stories of this type as a scientist myself. But I didn't have time to read anything, so I downloaded the audio version instead. I finished it that same day, I couldn't stand to put it on pause. I listened all through work and on my comute to and fro, and loved it.

This book is so interesting, thoughtful, and so meticulously researched. I very much enjoyed it.

Very intriguing read.

Well researched. Well written, a page turner from start to finish. Only time will tell if the truth shall prevail.

Clarion call for separating science and ideology

First, the title refers to the fact that Galileo's mummified middle finger is in an Italian museum.

The author, a science historian, demonstrates with case after case that failure to separate the scientific investigation from personal/group religious, social, and political ideology leads to bad science. Her examples are all from the political left, where she resides and is comfortable. Many of the political and social beliefs of leftist social justice warriors are so strong that to investigate them scientifically is treated as heresy.

One in 2000 births results in a child of uncertain gender assignment, a condition now called "intersex" but formally called "hermaphroditism". Most of the book is about gender assignment issues either intersex or through preference after childhood.

Even for those who have not faced intersex issues this non-fiction book is worthwhile as a study of how ideology and government money perverts honest scientific investigation.

Amazing book

Critical read for our time. Both depressing and inspiring. Worth a first and second read.

this needs to be listened to/read now

listened to the whole book in less than 2 days. it was amazing thorough yet accessible to a lay person . I teared up several times . really humanized the researchers and made their pain and frustration come alive . I had never heard of this book or any of the controversies it covered . I heard the book mentioned by Heather Heying on the dark horse podcast and decided to check it out . I was not Disappointed

massively inconsistent

The main point of this book is incredibly important. Real science is often attacked by the identity groups it's evidence contradicts. Great stuff on this. But a huge part of the book, perhaps 1/2 - 2/3, is a he said she said blow by blow rundown of the minutia of several of these conflicts. It felt like a sewing circle talking about that wayward girl and every abundant way she brought shame to her mother. I don't like gossip. I like evidence. for a book that says it prizes evidence as much as I do, much of it felt an awful lot like gossip. I compromised on 4 stars, because the core message was really that important.


The narration added to the feeling that I was listening to gossip. Breathy and self important. I assume the narrator was reflecting the wishes of the author, and if that was the case, she nailed it, and really deserves 5 stars. However, if that was not the intention of the author, this greatly detracted from the book. I compromised on 4 stars here as well