Review by Choice Review
This diverse collection of Ziman's writings spans book reviews, lectures, and previously published articles unified by the question "What is science?" Ziman, a British theoretical physicist, discusses the continuous transformation of science by cognitive, psychological, social, and material factors of individuals and society. Using topics such as specialization, collectivization, professionalization, market models, perception, computers, and scientists in the "everyday world," he demonstrates a multidimensional approach to the study of science, technology, and society that echoes the work of social scientists. To show science as a social activity, Ziman highlights various aspects of a scientist's life, including society's expectations and perceptions, social responsibility, education, peer review, pressure to publish, expertise, and elitism of science. He illustrates the paradox of science as an individual activity that creates a social institution demystifying science through discussions of "fudging the facts," life histories, the role of scientists in the laboratory, and society. No bibliography, but some of the chapters are well referenced. All levels. W. K. Bauchspies; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
