Science in Action

Science in Action by Bruno Latour explores the significant authority and influence that science and technology hold in our society, while acknowledging that their workings remain largely misunderstood. In recent years, our conventional perception of science in Western societies has been reshaped by contributions from philosophers, sociologists, and historians of science.

In this book, Latour integrates these various approaches to offer a lively and challenging analysis of science. He illustrates how both social context and technical content are crucial to a proper understanding of scientific activity. Emphasising that science is best understood through its practice, the author delves into aspects such as the role of scientific literature, laboratory activities, the institutional context of science in the modern world, and the processes through which inventions and discoveries gain acceptance.

From his study of scientific practice, Latour develops an analysis of science as the construction of networks. Throughout the book, he presents a dynamic and realistic depiction of science in action, challenging our conception not only of the natural sciences but also of the social sciences and the sociology of knowledge.

This stimulating book, rich with examples from a wide array of scientific activities, will captivate philosophers, sociologists, and historians of science, as well as scientists, engineers, and students interested in the philosophy of social science and the sociology of knowledge.