Ideas, Machines, and Values: An Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society Studies / Edition 224

by Stephen H. Cutcliffe

Overview

Ideas, Machines, and Values is an introductory overview of the emergence of STS as a field of study, as well as a portrait of its current interests and concerns. The book examines the growth of STS from its birth inthe mid-1960's through its development as an interdisciplinary field to its present state. Also addressed are the questions 'Why should we study STS?' and 'In what direction should STS be headed?' This work is highly recommended for anyone interested in building a solid foundation for Science, Technology, and Society Studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742500662
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/05/2000
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 9.34(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

Stephen H. Cutcliffe is the director of the Science, Technology, and Society Program at Lehigh University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface and Acknowledgments Chapter 2 The Historical Emergence of STS as an Academic Field Chapter 3 Societal Contextualization in the Philosophy, Sociology, and History of Science and Technology Chapter 4 Interdisciplinarity and the Current State of STS Chapter 5 STS Programs, Institutions, and Journals Chapter 6 Why Do STS, or Where Do We Go from Here? Chapter 7 Conclusion Chapter 8 Bibliographic Essay Chapter 9 Selected Bibliography

What People are Saying About This

Rudi Volti

In "Ideas, Machines, and Values", Stephen Cutcliffe skillfully introduces the reader to the disciplines, institutions, and individuals that have contributed to the development of Science, Technology, and Society Studies. More than a summation of prior work, this book shows how STS can make significant contributions to academic and public life. An essential guide for students, teachers, and members of the general public seeking a deeper understanding of the interrelations of science, technology, and society.
— Rudi Volti

Carl Mitcham

Cutcliffe's book is to date the most comprehensive and balanced examination of an increasingly important interdisciplinary field of research. This work cannot help but advance the self-understanding of STS studies.
— Carl Mitcham

Editorial Reviews

In Ideas, Machines, and Values, Stephen Cutcliffe skillfully introduces the reader to the disciplines, institutions, and individuals that have contributed to the development of Science, Technology, and Society Studies. More than a summation of prior work, this book shows how STS can make significant contributions to academic and public life. An essential guide for students, teachers, and members of the general public seeking a deeper understanding of the interrelations of science, technology, and society.

Rudi Volti

Cutcliffe's book is to date the most comprehensive and balanced examination of an increasingly important interdisciplinary field of research. This work cannot help but advance the self-understanding of STS studies.

Carl Mitcham

In five succinct chapters, [Cutcliffe] covers the historical emergence of STS in academe, its relationships with history, sociology, and the philosophy of science and technology, its institutional manifestations, and current and future intellectual issues and trends. Together, the notes and bibliography constitute a major resource for the creation of course outlines, reading lists, and research agendas. Cutcliffe's introduction to programs, institutions, and journals is a neophyte's handy guide to the field. He has been personally involved from the earliest years, has communicated directly with many of the participants, and has read nearly everything pertinent, and so this slim volume is truly a tour d'horizon.

Technology and Culture

Cutcliffe (history of technology, LeHigh U.) overviews the emergence of the academic field of science, technology, and society in the middle and late 1960s; summarizes its current interests and concerns; and suggests directions for its future development. He explains that the discipline and the related social movement propose neither unbridled enthusiasm nor absolute rejection of science and technology, but advocate critical analysis and thoughtful application. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

In Ideas, Machines, and Values, Stephen Cutcliffe skillfully introduces the reader to the disciplines, institutions, and individuals that have contributed to the development of Science, Technology, and Society Studies. More than a summation of prior work, this book shows how STS can make significant contributions to academic and public life. An essential guide for students, teachers, and members of the general public seeking a deeper understanding of the interrelations of science, technology, and society.--Rudi Volti, Pitzer College

Cutcliffe's book is to date the most comprehensive and balanced examination of an increasingly important interdisciplinary field of research. This work cannot help but advance the self-understanding of STS studies.--Carl Mitcham, Colorado School of Mines

In five succinct chapters, [Cutcliffe] covers the historical emergence of STS in academe, its relationships with history, sociology, and the philosophy of science and technology, its institutional manifestations, and current and future intellectual issues and trends. Together, the notes and bibliography constitute a major resource for the creation of course outlines, reading lists, and research agendas. Cutcliffe's introduction to programs, institutions, and journals is a neophyte's handy guide to the field. He has been personally involved from the earliest years, has communicated directly with many of the participants, and has read nearly everything pertinent, and so this slim volume is truly a tour d'horizon.--Technology and Culture

From the Publisher