Exchange on the quantitative measurement of ethnic and national identity*

In recent decades, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of quantitative techniques in the study of ethnicity and nationalism, without, however, a sufficient amount of reflection on how these techniques have contributed to our understanding of ethnic and national identities. As such, in this exchange three sets of authors answer questions about the degree to which it is possible to use quantitative data to measure ethnic and national identities, which types of methods are most suitable in measuring these identities and what the major research findings of this quantitative research are that were not possible using qualitative approaches.     

The Scientific and the Scientistic: Roger Scruton on the Consequences of Modern Science

How should we learn to think about scientific advancement and technological mastery to limit our potential for causing additional irreparable damage to ourselves and nature? Roger Scruton's account of science is a necessary reminder of the dangers and limits of technological dependence, the scientific method, and scientistic thought. His analysis is inseparable from his project for the restoration of conservatism. Because he acknowledges that most individuals are partisans of science, he encourages us to consider precisely those aspects of the human experience that are compromised by science and technology to mitigate the damaging effects we have on the environment and our way of life.