Introduction to Science and Technology Studies

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.

• Preface vii 1 The Prehistory of Science and Technology Studies 12 The Kuhnian Revolution 123 Questioning Functionalism in the Sociology of Science 234 Stratification and Discrimination 365 The Strong Programme and the Sociology of Knowledge 476 The Social Construction of Scientific and Technical Realities 577 Feminist Epistemologies of Science 728 Actor-Network Theory 819 Two Questions Concerning Technology 9310 Studying Laboratories 10611 Controversies 12012 Standardization and Objectivity 13613 Rhetoric and Discourse 14814 The Unnaturalness of Science and Technology 15715 The Public Understanding of Science 16816 Expertise and Public Participation 18017 Political Economies of Knowledge 189References 205Index 236

“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)