An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies
2. Edition November 2009
254 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies, Second
Edition reflects the latest advances in the field while
continuing to provide students with a road map to the complex
interdisciplinary terrain of science and technology studies.
* Distinctive in its attention to both the underlying
philosophical and sociological aspects of science and
technology
* Explores core topics such as realism and social construction,
discourse and rhetoric, objectivity, and the public understanding
of science
* Includes numerous empirical studies and illustrative examples
to elucidate the topics discussed
* Now includes new material on political economies of
scientific and technological knowledge, and democratizing technical
decisions
* Other features of the new edition include improved readability,
updated references, chapter reorganization, and more material on
medicine and technology
1 The Prehistory of Science and Technology Studies 1
2 The Kuhnian Revolution 12
3 Questioning Functionalism in the Sociology of Science 23
4 Stratification and Discrimination 36
5 The Strong Programme and the Sociology of Knowledge 47
6 The Social Construction of Scientific and Technical Realities
57
7 Feminist Epistemologies of Science 72
8 Actor-Network Theory 81
9 Two Questions Concerning Technology 93
10 Studying Laboratories 106
11 Controversies 120
12 Standardization and Objectivity 136
13 Rhetoric and Discourse 148
14 The Unnaturalness of Science and Technology 157
15 The Public Understanding of Science 168
16 Expertise and Public Participation 180
17 Political Economies of Knowledge 189
References 205
Index 236
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
