Abstract

In this bold and original book, Hans Radder examines a number of connected problems that arise where philosophy, science, and sociology overlap. They all arise from two central features of science and technology, set out in the introductory chapter. First, science and technology must be "realized" in the world. Since any realization of one scientific discovery will typically exclude the realization of others, knowledge is not merely the neutral acquisition of truths: there is an inevitable connection between knowledge and power. Second, scientific work is "nonlocal," having significance that stretches far beyond the specific spatial and temporal boundaries of one experiment or one realization. Sometimes the nonlocality is experimental, for experiments must be reproducible; sometimes it is social and political, since discoveries may be successfully appropriated by multinational companies.