This volume investigates the historical and contemporary nexus between scientific advancement and the legitimization of state-sponsored violence. Edited by Ashis Nandy, the collection features contributions from sociologists, philosophers, and activists who analyze how the Baconian scientific tradition has evolved into a mechanism for technological intervention. The authors argue that modern science often functions as a tool for disrupting traditional social structures under the guise of progress and development.

Experts frequently cite this collection as a foundational text for those studying the intersection of post-colonial theory and the philosophy of science. Readers often note the dense, academic nature of the prose, which challenges conventional narratives regarding the neutrality of scientific progress.