Objective: This assignment challenges you to critically analyze the interplay between the ‘social world’ and the production of scientific knowledge and technological developments. Drawing on the theories we have discussed in class, your task is to discuss the extent to which social factors influence the processes of scientific knowledge production and technological advancements, and apply these concepts to concrete examples and case studies.
Your paper should explicitly reference two of the following theoretical texts: Bruno Latour’s Actor Network Theory; Latour’s Ready Made Science v Science in the Making; Sismondo’s overview of Kuhnian revolutions and paradigm shifts; or Sismondo’s summary of social constructivism.
Ultimately, the goal of this mini paper is to encourage a thoughtful and critical synthesis of theoretical concepts and their application to the complexities of real-world scenarios. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the theories covered, and showcase your ability to connect abstract concepts to concrete examples, fostering a deeper appreciation for the relevance and impact of sociological perspectives on science and society.