Through the Mirrors of Science: New Challenges for Knowledge-based Societies

The European Union set an objective in 2000 to be the most competitive knowledge-based society and economy by 2010. Now that the momentous year has arrived, it is discouraging to note that very few steps have been made in that direction. What has gone wrong? Were the philosophical, epistemological and economic conditions adequate to achieve the desired result? This book is the result of a research project commissioned by the European Commission, which critically investigates the society of knowledge and the way in which the European Union has proceeded towards its goals. It also examines the premises and the contributions that the disciplines of Science and Technological Studies can provide.