Society and Knowledge: Contemporary Perspectives in the Sociology of Knowledge and Science
The sociology of knowledge is generally seen as part of the sociology of
cultural products. Along with the sociology of science, it explores the social
character of science and in particular the social production of scientific
knowledge. Knowledge in all its varieties is of crucial importance in social,
political, and economic relations in modern society. Yet new realities, the
editors argue in their introduction to this second edition, require a new
perspective. In the past half century, the social role of knowledge has changed
profoundly. The natural attitude toward scientific knowledge in science that
assigned a special status to science's knowledge claims has lost its dominance,
and the view that all knowledge is socially constructed has gained general
acceptance. Science increasingly influences the political agenda in modern
societies.
Consequently, a new political field has emerged: knowledge
politics. These fourteen essays by social scientists, philosophers, and
historians cover fundamental issues, theoretical perspectives, knowledge and
power, and empirical studies. Eight of the fourteen contributions were part of
the first edition of Society and Knowledge, published in 1984, and most of these
have been updated and revised for this new edition. Included in this edition are
six new contributions by Robert K. Merton, Steve Fuller, Dick Pels,
Nico Stehr, Barry Schwartz, and
Michael Lynch. This second, revised edition builds on its predecessor in
presenting cutting-edge theoretical and empirical efforts to transform the
sociology of knowledge. Professionals, policymakers, and graduate students in
the fields of sociology, political science, and social science will find this
volume of interest and importance.
