Making Natural Knowledge: Constructivism and the History of Science, with a new Preface [Paperback]

Arguably the best available introduction to constructivism, a research paradigm that has dominated the history of science for the past forty years,Making Natural Knowledgereflects on the importance of this theory, tells the history of its rise to prominence, and traces its most important tensions.

Viewing scientific knowledge as a product of human culture, Jan Golinski challenges the traditional trajectory of the history of science as steady and autonomous progress. In exploring topics such as the social identity of the scientist, the significance of places where science is practiced, and the roles played by language, instruments, and images,Making Natural Knowledgesheds new light on the relations between science and other cultural domains.

A standard introduction to historically minded scholars interested in the constructivist programme. In fact, it has been called the 'constructivist's bible' in many a conference corridor. —Matthew Eddy,British Journal for the History of Science

Jan Golinskiis professor of history and humanities at the University of New Hampshire. He is coeditor ofThe Sciences in Enlightened Europe, also published by the University of Chicago Press.

List of Illustrations
New Preface (2005)
Preface
Introduction: Challenges to the Classical View of Science
1. An Outline of Constructivism
From Kuhn to the Sociology of Scientific Knowledge
What's Social about Constructivism?
2. Identity and Discipline
The Making of a Social Identity
The Disciplinary Mold
3. The Place of Production
The Workshop of Nature
Beyond the Laboratory Walls
4. Speaking for Nature
The Open Hand
Stepping into the Circle
5. Interventions and Representations
Instruments and Objects
The Work of Representation
6. Culture and Construction
The Meanings of Culture
Regimes of Construction
Coda: The Obligations of Narrative
Biblil“.