Routledge Library Editions: Social Theory: Science And The Sociology Of Knowledge (rle Social Theory)
by Michael Mulkay /
2014 / English / PDF
8.5 MB Download
How far is scientific knowledge a product of social life? In
addressing this question, the major contributors to the sociology
of knowledge have agreed that the conclusions of science are
dependent on social action only in a very special and limited
sense. In
How far is scientific knowledge a product of social life? In
addressing this question, the major contributors to the sociology
of knowledge have agreed that the conclusions of science are
dependent on social action only in a very special and limited
sense. InScience and the Sociology of Knowledge
Science and the Sociology of Knowledge Michael
Mulkay's first aim is to identify the philosophical assumptions
which have led to this view of science as special; and to present
a systematic critique of the standard philosophical account of
science, showing that there are no valid epistemological grounds
for excluding scientific knowledge from the scope of sociological
analysis.
Michael
Mulkay's first aim is to identify the philosophical assumptions
which have led to this view of science as special; and to present
a systematic critique of the standard philosophical account of
science, showing that there are no valid epistemological grounds
for excluding scientific knowledge from the scope of sociological
analysis.
The rest of the book is devoted to developing a preliminary
interpretation of the social creation of scientific knowledge.
The processes of knowledge-creation are delineated through a
close examination of recent case studies of scientific
developments. Dr Mulkay argues that knowledge is produced by
means of negotiation, the outcome of which depends on the
participants' use of
The rest of the book is devoted to developing a preliminary
interpretation of the social creation of scientific knowledge.
The processes of knowledge-creation are delineated through a
close examination of recent case studies of scientific
developments. Dr Mulkay argues that knowledge is produced by
means of negotiation, the outcome of which depends on the
participants' use ofsocial
social as well as
as well astechnical
technical
resources. The analysis also shows how cultural resources are
taken over from the broader social milieu and incorporated into
the body of certified knowledge; and how, in the political
context of society at large, scientists' technical as well as
social claims are conditioned and affected by their social
position.
resources. The analysis also shows how cultural resources are
taken over from the broader social milieu and incorporated into
the body of certified knowledge; and how, in the political
context of society at large, scientists' technical as well as
social claims are conditioned and affected by their social
position.
