Scientific Knowledge: A Sociological Analysis / Edition 1

by Barry Barnes, David Bloor, John Henry

Overview

Although science was once seen as the product of individual great men working in isolation, we now realize that, like any other creative activity, science is a highly social enterprise, influenced in subtle as well as obvious ways by the wider culture and values of its time. Scientific Knowledge is the first introduction to social studies of scientific knowledge.

The authors, all noted for their contributions to science studies, have organized this book so that each chapter examines a key step in the process of doing science. Using case studies from cognitive science, physics, and biology to illustrate their descriptions and applications of the social study of science, they show how this approach provides a crucial perspective on how science is actually done.

Scientific Knowledge will be of interest not only to those engaged in science studies, but also to anyone interested in the practice of science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226037318
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	07/15/1996
Edition description:	1
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Barry Barnes is professor of sociology at the University of Exeter. David Bloor is reader in the Science Studies Unit, University of Edinburgh. John Henry is senior lecturer in the Science Studies Unit, University of Edinburgh.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Acknowledgements
1: Observation and Experience
2: Interpretation
3: Words and the World
4: Beyond Experience
5: Sociological Projects
6: Drawing Boundaries
7: Proof and Self-Evidence
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

A sociological analysis of scientific knowledge examining the manner by which scientists arrive at "a scientific approach." The study considers the role of observation and experience in scientific knowledge, classification activities, goals and objectives, the images that scientists project to defend their authority, and the use of mathematics in the natural sciences. Each topic is supported by historical evidence as case studies, using well-known experiments such as R.A. Millikan's attempt to measure the charge on the electron as the foundation for the analysis. Paper edition (unseen), $ 15.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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