The world around us is continually being shaped by science, and by
society's relationship to it. In recent years sociologists have been
increasingly preoccupied with the latter, and now in this fascinating
book, Massimiano Bucchi provides a brief introduction to this topical
issue.
Bucchi provides clear and unassuming summaries of all the major
theoretical positions within the sociology of science, illustrated with
many fascinating examples. Theories covered include Thomas Kuhn's theory
of scientific change, the sociology of scientific knowledge,
actor-network theory, and the social construction of technology. The
second half of the book looks at recent public controversies over the
role of science in the modern world including:
* the Sokal affair, otherwise known as the science wars
* debates over public understanding of science, such as global warming
and genetically modified food
* the implications of the human genome project.
This much needed introduction to a rapidly growing area brings theory
alive and will be essential reading for all students of the sociology of
science.