Science Studies as Naturalized Philosophy

Description

This book approaches its subject matter in a way that combines a strong analytical and critical perspective with a historical and sociological framework for the understanding of the emergence of Science Studies. This is a novelty, since extant literature on this topic tends either to narrate the history of the field, with little criticism, or to criticize Science Studies from a philosophical platform but with little interest in its historical and social context. The book provides a critical review of the most prominent figures in Science Studies (also known as Science and Technology Studies) and traces the historical roots of the discipline back to developments emerging after World War II. It also presents it as an heir to a long trend in Western thought towards the naturalization of philosophy, where a priori modes of thought are replaced by empirical ones. Finally, it points to ways for Science Studies to proceed in the future. "With this book, Finn Collin has established himself as the leading constructive philosophical critic of Science and Technology Studies. Science Studies as Naturalized Philosophy will likely be the key point of reference for any further writing on the topic for years to come." Steve Fuller, Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick, United Kingdom Front Matter....Pages i-xiii The Naturalization of Philosophy....Pages 1-19 Wittgenstein, Kuhn and the Turn Towards Science Studies....Pages 21-34 David Bloor and the Strong Programme....Pages 35-62 The Strong Programme as Naturalized Philosophy....Pages 63-82 Harry Collins and the Empirical Programme of Relativism....Pages 83-108 Bruno Latour and Actor Network Theory....Pages 109-126 Latour’s Metaphysics....Pages 127-145 Andrew Pickering and the Mangle of Practice....Pages 147-165 Steve Fuller and Social Epistemology....Pages 167-196 An Alternative Road for Science and Technology Studies and the Naturalization of Philosophy of Science....Pages 197-223 Back Matter....Pages 225-247