Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
In and Out of the Petri Dish: Science and S&TS. |
| Authors: |
Pinch, Trevor J.1 T8P@Cornella.cit.cornell.edu |
| Source: |
Social Studies of Science (Sage Publications, Ltd.). May95, Vol. 25 Issue 2, p334-337. 4p. |
| Subject Terms: |
*Cultural studies, Science & society, Philosophy of science, Social psychology, Social scientists, Participation |
| Abstract: |
In the article, the author comments on the article "Science As Culture: A View From the Petri Dish," by Jay A. Labinger, published in this issue of the journal "Social Studies of Science." The author is less surprised than Labinger at the lack of participation by practicing scientists in social and cultural studies in science and technology (STS). Understanding an issue from an STS viewpoint may be different from a scientist's own understanding of the issue. The most useful and productive relationship for scientists who are willing to reflect upon the wok of sociologists is to inform when the technical details of science are wrong and to raise informed questions about their own theory and practices. A proper analysis of the cold fusion dispute would have to show a detailed scientific understanding of these issues. This is not "understanding" in the sense of being able to contribute to the field, but gaining enough understanding of these issues. This is also not "understanding" in the sense of being able to contribute to the field, but gaining enough understanding such that the sociologists accurately represent the technical issues at stake. |
| Database: |
Education Research Complete |
