Points East and West: Acupuncture and Teaching the Cultural Contexts of Science

Acupuncture is a model case for teaching the cultural contexts of science. Acupuncture has been practiced in China for centuries, but American scientists were largely skeptical of its efficacy when exposed to it in the early 1970s. Chinese doctors explain the phenomenon using a conception of the body unfamiliar to Westerners. Western physiologists have in the past few decades been able to explain the startling analgesic effects of acupuncture in their own terms. But other elements remain explained only in the traditional Chinese system. By introducing the contrasting explanations and research practice, east and west, teachers can raise questions for students about the cultural contexts of science. More generally, cultural symmetry--the ability to invert cultural perspectives--is central to making any such case study more effective. [ In the conference presentation, this paper and a corresponding student module will be critiqued by Nancy Brickhouse (Univ. of Delaware) and Deborah Pomeroy (Beaver College). Please contact the author for information on the complete module. ]