Science studies: an advanced introduction

TLDR

Science studies emerged as a nascent interdisciplinary field examining the political, historical, and cultural dimensions of technology and science, gaining public attention through controversies such as Alan Sokal's hoax. The book surveys science studies, offering a concise overview of key concepts and an integrated framework while clarifying common misunderstandings in interdisciplinary dialogue. The survey incorporates recent developments across philosophy, sociology, anthropology, history, cultural studies, and feminist studies. Hess argues that adopting a transdisciplinary science studies approach equips society with essential conceptual tools for public debates on science and technology's role in democracy.

Abstract

Thrust into the public eye by the contentious Wars--played out most recently by physicist Alan Sokal's hoax--the nascent field of science studies takes on the political, historical, and cultural dimensions of technology and the sciences. Science Studies is the first comprehensive survey of the field, combining a concise overview of key concepts with an original and integrated framework. In the process of bringing disparate fields together under one tent, David J. Hess realizes the full promise of science studies, long uncomfortably squeezed into traditional disciplines. He provides a clear discussion of the issues and misunderstandings that have arisen in these interdisciplinary conversations. His survey is up-to-date and includes recent developments in philosophy, sociology, anthropology, history, cultural studies, and feminist studies. By moving from the discipline-bound blinders of a sociology, history, philosophy, or anthropology of science to a transdisciplinary field, science studies, Hess argues, will be able to provide crucial conceptual tools for public discussions about the role of science and technology in a democratic society.