“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)
Praise for first edition
“Sismondo’s much-needed book fills a gap left by existing introductions to the field of science and technology studies. It consistently and usefully integrates philosophical concerns with the critical social science perspectives that have dominated the field. It also offers excellent capsule surveys of some of the field’s most influential thinkers.”
–Sheila Jasanoff, Harvard University
“This book is a wonderful tool with which to think. It offers an expansive introduction to the field of science studies, a rich exploration of the theoretical terrains it comprises and a sheaf of well-reasoned opinions that will surely inspire argument.”
–Geoffrey C. Bowker, University of California, San Diego
“Science and technology studies is one of the most important and exciting new interdisciplinary fields in the academy. Sergio Sismondon is to be congratulated for producing an introductory textbook that is authoritative, accessible, and without rival. This book quickly become an indispensable teaching aid.”
–Trevor Pinch, Cornell University
From the Inside Flap
Distinctive in its attention to both the underlying philosophical and sociological aspects of science and technology, the second edition of this popular textbook provides students with an up-to-date road map of the complex interdisciplinary terrain of science and technology studies.
After presenting the broad historical background to the field, the book explores a variety of relevant topics, among them realism and social construction, discourse and rhetoric, objectivity, and the role of experiment and theory. Numerous illustrative examples and empirical studies elucidate such topics as nuclear missile testing, the cold fusion controversy, teaching mathematical physics in the 19th century, digital rights management, pharmaceutical clinical trials, and sick building syndrome. This updated, expanded, and reorganized new edition also now includes new material on political economies of scientific and technological knowledge and the democratization of technical decisions.
From the Back Cover
Distinctive in its attention to both the underlying philosophical and sociological aspects of science and technology, the second edition of this popular textbook provides students with an up-to-date road map of the complex interdisciplinary terrain of science and technology studies.
After presenting the broad historical background to the field, the book explores a variety of relevant topics, among them realism and social construction, discourse and rhetoric, objectivity, and the role of experiment and theory. Numerous illustrative examples and empirical studies elucidate such topics as nuclear missile testing, the cold fusion controversy, teaching mathematical physics in the 19th century, digital rights management, pharmaceutical clinical trials, and sick building syndrome. This updated, expanded, and reorganized new edition also now includes new material on political economies of scientific and technological knowledge and the democratization of technical decisions.
About the Author
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.
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