Does SCOT Answer? A Comment

Abstract

To model or not to model? That appears to be the underlying question addressed in the debate between Mr. Clayton and Drs. Pinch and Bijker. Can the evolution of individual artifacts be synthesized into a coherent and meaningful theory of technological development? Should we even try? I am somewhat reluctant to wade into the whirlpool of the debate because Clayton is a friend and colleague, while my own research on the American bicycle industry has been greatly influenced by Pinch and Bijker's work. Instead, I will ask four admittedly speculative questions that I hope may shed some light.