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Bruno Latour

Science in Action: How to Follow Scientists and Engineers Through Society

In "Science in Action: How to Follow Scientists and Engineers Through Society," Bruno Latour, a prominent French sociologist and anthropologist, offers a unique perspective on the social context and construction of scientific knowledge. The book, which is a revised and expanded version of Latour's earlier work "Laboratory Life," provides an ethnographic account of the practices and processes of scientific research, with a particular focus on the role of social and political factors in shaping scientific knowledge. Latour's central argument is that science is not a neutral, objective pursuit of truth, but rather a socially embedded activity that is shaped by a wide range of factors, including funding, institutional structures, and power relations. He contends that scientists and engineers are not simply dispassionate observers of the natural world, but rather active participants in the construction of scientific knowledge. One of the key concepts that Latour introduces in the book is that of "translation," which refers to the process by which scientific ideas and theories are translated into material artifacts, such as instruments and experiments, and then back into ideas and theories. This process of translation, according to Latour, is shaped by the social and political context in which it takes place, and it is through this process that scientific knowledge is constructed. Latour also emphasizes the importance of "inscription" in the production of scientific knowledge. Inscription refers to the process of recording and representing scientific data and observations in a form that can be communicated and analyzed by others. Latour argues that inscription is a crucial aspect of scientific practice, as it allows scientists to create a shared body of knowledge that can be built upon and critiqued by others. Overall, "Science in Action" is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the social and political dimensions of scientific knowledge. Latour's ethnographic approach provides a unique perspective on the practices and processes of scientific research, and his arguments about the role of social and political factors in shaping scientific knowledge are both compelling and well-supported. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the sociology of science, science and technology studies, or the philosophy of science...