Science in Context: Readings in the Sociology of Science

Abstract

This collection of eighteen readings provides a basic text for undergraduates taking sociology of science courses. A general survey of articles published between 1961 and 1981, book is also a useful overview for students taking courses in and political studies of science; science, technology, and society; and social components of courses in environmental sciences, geography, philosophy, and history of science.The editors have organized book around the relationship between subculture of science and wider culture which surrounds it. Looked at from this perpective, science is primarily a source of knowledge and competence.... Thus to stress its interaction with its context not only highlights these aspects of science which most people find of overriding pragmatic interest, but also raises important basic issues concerning credibility, distribution of authority in society, and nature of interaction between different forms of culture.Essays are grouped in five sections: Organization of Academic Science: Communication and Control; Culture of Science; Interaction of Science and Technology; Interaction of Science and Society; Science as Expertise. editors have added a general introduction, part introductions, bibliographical notes, and a lengthy bibliography.Barry Barnes is Lecturer at Science Studies Unit, University of Edinburgh, and editor of an earlier version of this book, The Sociology of Science, published in Penguin Sociology Readings series and now out of print. David Edge is Director of Science Studies Unit at University of Edinburgh and a joint editor of journal, Social Studies of Science.