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Are ‘Science’ and ‘Technology’ Necessary?: The Utility of Some Old Concepts in Contemporary Studies of the Research Process
Author(s) -
Shrum Wesley
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
sociological inquiry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.446
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1475-682X
pISSN - 0038-0245
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-682x.1986.tb00091.x
Subject(s) - interdependence , sociology , dimension (graph theory) , process (computing) , epistemology , balance (ability) , ideal (ethics) , contrast (vision) , management science , computer science , social science , engineering ethics , engineering , psychology , artificial intelligence , mathematics , philosophy , neuroscience , pure mathematics , operating system
Contemporary views on the nature of science and technology describe them as symmetrically interdependent subcultures, in contrast to the older view of technology as applied science. On closer inspection, however, these accounts provide two distinct descriptions. The first, that of “distinct subcultures,” sees science and technology as distinguishable based on their products, sectoral locations, or objectives. The second, that of a “holistic research system,” denies that any single dimension delivers the ideal typical constructs that have long been used to characterize science and technology. On balance, social studies of the research process would do well to dispense with the terms, except insofar as their use constitutes an explanatory project.