Making Sense of Science : Understanding the Social Study of Science

by Steven Yearley

• ISBN13: 9780803986923
• ISBN10: 0803986920
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781446240687
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-12-08
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• More Book Details

Summary

'Fluid, readable and accessible ... I found the overall quality of the book to be excellent. It provides an overview of major (and preceding) developments in the field of science studies. It examines landmark works, authors, concepts and approaches ... I will certainly use this book as one of the course texts'Eileen Crist, Associate Professor, Science & Technology in Society, Virginia TechScience is at the heart of contemporary society and is therefore central to the social sciences. Yet science studies has often encountered resistance from social scientists. This book attempts to remedy this by giving the most extensive, thorough and best argued account of the field and explaining to social scientists why science matters to them.This is a landmark book that demystifies science studies and successfully bridges the divide between social theory and the sociology of science. Illustrated with relevant, illuminating examples, it provides the ideal guide to science studies and social theory.

Table of Contents

Introduction	vii
PART I THE CORE OF SCIENCE STUDIES	1	(40)
Just What Makes Science Special?	1	(20)
Framing Commitments: The Strong Programme and the Empirical Programme of Relativism	21	(20)
PART II SCHOOLS OF SCIENCE STUDIES	41	(72)
Knowledge and Social Interests	41	(14)
Actor-Networks in Science	55	(14)
Gender and Science Studies	69	(14)
Ethnomethodology and the Analysis of Scientific Discourse	83	(16)
Reflection, Explanation and Reflexivity in Science Studies	99	(14)
PART III SCIENCE STUDIES AT WORK	113	(75)
Experts in Public: Publics' Relationships to Scientific Authority	113	(16)
Figuring out Risks	129	(14)
Science in Law	143	(17)
Speaking Truth to Power: Science and Policy	160	(14)
Conclusion: Science Studies and the `Crisis' of Representation	174	(14)
Bibliographical References	188	(12)
Index	200