Science, Technology and Society

Science, Technology and Society: An Introduction provides students with an accessible overview of the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). The discipline breaks down traditional conceptions of knowledge as universal, neutral and ahistorical, and takes a more critical approach to science and technology as social embedded phenomena. This comprehensive textbook makes use of unique examples and case studies to illustrate theoretical debates and concepts. In addition, the reader acquires a unique vision of contemporary issues (such as the power of algorithms, the mystification of fake news, the role of experts within the decision-making process, for example). Each chapter incorporates pedagogically rich features, including interactive discussion points to be used individually or in class as prompts for debate.

Accessible, up-to-date introduction to STS that connects theory with practice Introduces students to some of the most contemporary debates in STS illustrated with various relevant case studies Includes recommendations for further reading; books and articles; internet resources and links

Auteur

Giampietro Gobo is Professor of Sociology of Science and Methodology of Social Research at the University of Milan, Italy, where his research focuses on scientific controversies of health issues, particularly on immunization policies. His books include Doing Ethnography (2008), Qualitative Research Practice (co-edited with C. Seale, J. F. Gubrium and D. Silverman, 2004), Constructing Survey Data: An Interactional Approach (with S. Mauceri, 2014), Merged Methods: A Rationale for Full Integration (with N. Fielding, G. La Rocca and W. van der Vaart, 2022). Valentina Marcheselli is a post-doc research fellow at the Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Trento, Italy. Her research interests include the social construction of science and technology; the social dynamics of interaction and coordination in interdisciplinary contexts; cognition and embodiment in the fields of astrobiology and planetary science.

Texte du rabat

Science, Technology and Society: An Introduction provides students with an accessible overview of the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). The discipline breaks down traditional conceptions of knowledge as universal, neutral and ahistorical, and takes a more critical approach to science and technology as social embedded phenomena. This comprehensive textbook makes use of unique examples and case studies to illustrate theoretical debates and concepts. In addition, the reader acquires a unique vision of contemporary issues (such as the power of algorithms, the mystification of fake news, the role of experts within the decision-making process, for example). Each chapter incorporates pedagogically rich features, including interactive discussion points to be used individually or in class as prompts for debate.

Contenu
Chapter 1. Introduction: Why Do We Need to Rethink Science?.- Part One: From The Philosophy Of Science to The Social Studies of Science.- Chapter 2: Gnoseology. The Foundations of Human Knowledge.- Chapter 3: Epistemology: The fundamental elements of scientific knowledge.- Chapter 4: Society In Science.- Chapter 5: The Advent of The Studies of Science and of Technology.- Part Two: Main Themes In STS.- Chapter 6: The Boundaries of Science.- Chapter 7: Science Behind The Scenes.- Chapter 8: Scientists, Experts And Public Opinion.- Chapter 9 Science And Technology: Two Sides Of The Same Coin.- Chapter 10: Science, Technology And Gender.- Part Three: Contemporary Fields Of Inquiry.- Chapter 11: Environment.- Chapter 12: Digital Societies.- Chapter 13: Medicine And Biotechnology.- Chapter 14: Five Challenges For The Future.- Chapter 15. Conclusion.