Abstract

In the introduction to her book Professor Chimisso gives two reasons for writing it. The first is to show how Bachelard’s work is inextricably situated in the educational system and intellectual climate of France in his time. The second is to offer his insights as a perspective for discussing current topics in the historiography and philosophy of science. Her book accomplishes these purposes admirably. The reflective reader, however, will discover that her work accomplishes a third purpose that makes it well worth reading even if one has no particular interest in Bachelard or in the philosophy of science. That is, it rather forcibly invites the reader to reflect on complex issues involving the relationships between one’s own intellectual life, personal history, culture, self image, professional image, and participation in intellectual and social structures.