Making Sense of Science: Understanding the Social Study of Science / Edition 1

by Steven Yearley

Overview

‘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 Tech

Science 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780803986923
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/08/2004
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.53(h) x (d)

About the Author

Steven Yearley is Professor of Sociology at the University of York; author of Science and Sociological Practice (Open University Press, 1984), Science Technology and Social Change (Unwin Hyman, 1988) and The Green Case: A Sociology of Environmental Arguments, Issues and Politics (Harper Collins, 1991); editor of Deciphering Science and Technology (with M Mc Neill and I Varcoe), and Protecting the Periphery: Environmental Policy in Peripheral Regions of the European Union (with S Baker and K Milton).

Table of Contents

PART ONE: THE CORE OF SCIENCE STUDIES
Just What Makes Science Special
Framing Commitments: The Strong Programme and the Empirical Programme of Relativisim
PART TWO: SCHOOLS OF SCIENCE STUDIES
Knowledge and Social Interest
Actor-Networks in Science
Gender and Science Studies
Ethnomethodology and the Analysis of Scientific Discourse
Reflection, Explanation and Reflexivity in Science Studies
PART THREE: SCIENCE STUDIES AT WORK
Experts in Public: Publics' Relationships to Scientific Authority
Figuring out Risks
Science in Law
Speaking Truth to Power: Science and Policy
Conclusion: Science Studies and the 'Crisis' of Representation