Prometheus Bound: Science in a Dynamic 'Steady State'

Ziman, John M.

ISBN 10: 0521434300 / ISBN 13: 9780521434300

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1994

About this Item

Seller Inventory # ABE-1617816482540

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Prometheus Bound: Science in a Dynamic 'Steady State'
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521434300
• ISBN 13: 9780521434300
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This book is a trenchant analysis of the profound changes that are taking place in the whole scientific enterprise throughout the world. The author does not assume the reader has any technical knowledge of the natural sciences, their history, or politics, and addresses his book to everybody who is concerned about the future of science and its place in society.

From the Back Cover

After expanding for centuries, science is reaching its limits to growth. We can no longer afford the ever-increasing cost of exploring ever-wider research opportunities. In the competition for resources, science is becoming much more tightly organized. A radical, pervasive and permanent structural change is taking place. This already affects the whole research system, from everyday laboratory life to the national budget. The scientific enterprise cannot avoid fundamental change, but excessive managerial insistence on accountability, evaluation, 'priority setting', etc. can be very inhospitable to expertise, innovation, criticism and creativity. Can the research system be reshaped without losing many features that have made science so productive? This trenchant analysis of a deep-rooted historical process does not assume any technical knowledge of the natural sciences, or their history, philosophy, sociology, or politics. It is addressed to everybody who is concerned about the future of science and its place in society.