Prometheus Bound

by John M. Ziman

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521434300
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/25/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	300
Product dimensions:	6.18(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.94(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword; 1. What is happening to science?; 2. Scientific and technological progress; 3. Sophistication and collectivization; 4. Transition to a new regime; 5. Allocation of resources; 6. Institutional responses to change; 7. Scientific careers; 8. Science without frontiers; 9. Steering through the buzzword blizzard; Further reading.

Editorial Reviews

"Ziman succeeds very well in his purpose of describing the structures of academic science and the motivations of scientists driven by the intense competition of research at the frontiers. He gives an excellent analysis of the many dangers that threaten the future success of the enterprise and are the causes of much anguish in the laboratories....for all who wish to understand the concerns of those working at the frontiers of science to set Prometheus free." John Mulvey, Nature

"... a masterly contribution to our thinking on these issues...With wit, grace, and light touches of erudition, Ziman clarifies the challenges of managing the enterprise of discovery." Rodney W. Nichols, Science

"...It offers a deep analysis of the origins and extent of the changes that are affecting every facet of scientific enterprise and the lives of individual scientists and corporations." New Scientist, June, 1994 lx x

"...a good overview of what is happening in contemporary science policy. It is provacative, showing why more conscious efforts in making choices are taking place." W. Henry Lambright, Chemical & Engineering News

"...Highly recommended." L.W. Moore, Choice

"...Although Ziman's focus is on British science, the trends he discusses are general enough to make this book of broad interest..." Dale Jamieson, Issues in Science & Technology

"...a timely and important book....everyone in science and technology, all academics, all who care about scholarship and education, should read this book and ponder its implications." Henry H. Bauer, Journal of Scientific Exploration

"...the latest in a series of outstanding books on science and society written by John Ziman...Ziman examines the transformation that is underway with great detail and great skill...he has done a superb job...probably the best description that exists of what's happening on the academic scientific scene today..." Roland W. Schmitt, American Journal of Physics

From the Publisher