Galileo's Middle Finger

Heretics, Activists, and the Search for Justice in Science

De: Alice Dreger

Narrado por: Tavia Gilbert

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

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.

Superb.

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

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.

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.

Engrossing but...

This is a very interesting story told from a unique perspective. My only issue with this book is with Ms. Dreger herself. She comes off as pompous and chastising, yet describes herself as naive and humble. The wise man knows what he does not know, and Dr. Dreger certainly doesn't. She has surprisingly little insight for an academic and self proclaimed intellectual. Ms. Dreger is also hypocritical at times. The most blatant example is her derision of people who refuse to research both sides of a topic, yet she does exactly that.

For example, she mischaracterizes Chronic Lyme Disease as a complete fabrication. This is despite the fact that research shows the symptoms are due to either permanent physical damage from the spirochetes, autoimmune dysfunction, or both. (Yes, CLD is a misnomer and the condition should be renamed as soon as the exact etiology is found.) Dreger falls into the trap that thoughtless mass media consumers do-- believing that CLD is nothing but hypochondriacal (mostly female) patients being preyed on by greedy doctors who always push harmful long term antibiotics on them.

For a feminist, she sure was quick to believe scientifically unsupported journalism about how sick women are nothing but stupid and hysterical victims. Are there predatory doctors and misguided patients? Sure, but it's not as black and white of a situation as the media paints it. I expected more of someone who considers herself a truth seeker. That wasn't the only topic Alice gave her uninformed opinion on either.

If you listen closely, you'll find many disconnects between what Dreger claims to believe, actually believes, claims she would do, and actually does. My last example is that she decries postmodernism, yet her world view is clearly molded by it. I can't decide whether that one is due to her poor insight or hypocrisy. Either way, it doesn't look good. I'm disappointed that this academic who I looked up to as a brave truth seeker, intellectual, and honest person is not who I thought she was.

If you know nothing of Dreger and just want the juicy details of the Bailey scandal, then look no further. Despite my issues with Dreger, I can still admit that this book is highly entertaining. Narrator Tavia Gilbert is great as always.

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