Uncertain Knowledge: An Image of Science for a Changing World - Hardcover

Dolby, R. G. A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521560047 ISBN 13: 9780521560047

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1996

Synopsis

This book introduces and develops an integrated view of science as a varied human activity rather than an abstract intellectual process, asking significant questions about the nature and limits of scientific knowledge. The author uses a technique of "cognitive play," which creates and explores new links between the ideas and results of contemporary history, philosophy and sociology of science. New ideas and approaches are applied to a wide range of case studies, many of them from controversial and contested science. Historians and sociologists of science, and anyone interested in the history, philosophy and social context of science will find this a fascinating evaluation of controversial and contested science.

About this title

Book Description

What is science? How is scientific knowledge affected by the society that produces it? Does scientific knowledge directly correspond to reality? Can we draw a line between science and pseudo-science? Will it ever be possible for computers to undertake scientific investigation independently? Is there such a thing as feminist science? In this book the author addresses questions such as these using a technique of "cognitive play", which creates and explores new links between the ideas and results of contemporary history, philosophy and sociology of science.

Review

"This book is a wide-ranging discussion of the nature and uniqueness of science. ...this book is a useful addition to science studies literature. It should be read as a thought-provoking...treatment of science...." Stephen Zehr, Isis

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521560047
• ISBN 13: 9780521560047
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 377