An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
2nd Edition
Published on 6. November 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-4051-8765-7 (ISBN)
Description
An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies, Second Edition reflects the latest advances in the field while continuing to provide students with a road map to the complex interdisciplinary terrain of science and technology studies.
Distinctive in its attention to both the underlying philosophical and sociological aspects of science and technology
Explores core topics such as realism and social construction, discourse and rhetoric, objectivity, and the public understanding of science
Includes numerous empirical studies and illustrative examples to elucidate the topics discussed
Now includes new material on political economies of scientific and technological knowledge, and democratizing technical decisions
Other features of the new edition include improved readability, updated references, chapter reorganization, and more material on medicine and technology
Distinctive in its attention to both the underlying philosophical and sociological aspects of science and technology
Explores core topics such as realism and social construction, discourse and rhetoric, objectivity, and the public understanding of science
Includes numerous empirical studies and illustrative examples to elucidate the topics discussed
Now includes new material on political economies of scientific and technological knowledge, and democratizing technical decisions
Other features of the new edition include improved readability, updated references, chapter reorganization, and more material on medicine and technology
Reviews / Votes
"Sergio Sismondo's book represents a very useful and clear introduction to Science and Technology Studies (STS), a relatively new academic field that has at its core the relationship between scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society . . . The rich set of references can help readers who want to learn more." (Theor Med Bioeth, 1 May 2012)Praise for first edition
"For an introduction to science and technology studies, one cannot find a better book. Sismondo sets a high standard for clarity of writing for books aimed at university students. The important historical background blends well with the underlying philosophical and sociological concepts. Extremely important to all readers are the boxed-text case studies, definitions, and examples that permeate and intelligently adorn every chapte. The index and references immensely help readers desiring to learn more." (Choice, November 2003)
"Carefully argued and well balanced...topics are handled with a clarity and lightness... overall impression...of a field with solid foundations that is looking to the future." (ISIS)
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Hoboken
United Kingdom
Publishing group
John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
376 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4051-8765-7 (9781405187657)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Sergio Sismondo
An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
E-Book
08/2011
2nd Edition
Wiley-Blackwell
€29.99
Available for download
Sergio Sismondo
An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
E-Book
11/2009
2nd Edition
Wiley-Blackwell
€29.99
Available for download
Previous edition
Sergio Sismondo
An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
Book
06/2003
Wiley-Blackwell
€49.70
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Sergio Sismondo teaches Philosophy and Sociology at Queen's University, Canada. He is the author of Science Without Myth: On Constructions, Reality, and Social Knowledge (1995), The Art of Science (with Boris Castel, 2003), and numerous articles on subjects ranging from computer simulation to pharmaceutical research.
Content
Preface vii 1 The Prehistory of Science and Technology Studies 1
2 The Kuhnian Revolution 12
3 Questioning Functionalism in the Sociology of Science 23
4 Stratification and Discrimination 36
5 The Strong Programme and the Sociology of Knowledge 47
6 The Social Construction of Scientific and Technical Realities 57
7 Feminist Epistemologies of Science 72
8 Actor-Network Theory 81
9 Two Questions Concerning Technology 93
10 Studying Laboratories 106
11 Controversies 120
12 Standardization and Objectivity 136
13 Rhetoric and Discourse 148
14 The Unnaturalness of Science and Technology 157
15 The Public Understanding of Science 168
16 Expertise and Public Participation 180
17 Political Economies of Knowledge 189
References 205
Index 236
2 The Kuhnian Revolution 12
3 Questioning Functionalism in the Sociology of Science 23
4 Stratification and Discrimination 36
5 The Strong Programme and the Sociology of Knowledge 47
6 The Social Construction of Scientific and Technical Realities 57
7 Feminist Epistemologies of Science 72
8 Actor-Network Theory 81
9 Two Questions Concerning Technology 93
10 Studying Laboratories 106
11 Controversies 120
12 Standardization and Objectivity 136
13 Rhetoric and Discourse 148
14 The Unnaturalness of Science and Technology 157
15 The Public Understanding of Science 168
16 Expertise and Public Participation 180
17 Political Economies of Knowledge 189
References 205
Index 236