STS 4041 - Controversies in Science, Technology and Medicine: What They Are and How to Study Them

(SBA-AS)

Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

T. Pinch.

Scientists in the main try to avoid controversy whilst STS scholars argue that controversy can be a motor of scientific change. There is a lengthy tradition of research into different forms of controversies within science, technology, and medicine. We will read selectively and discuss critically this literature. Students will differentiate between “priority disputes” over credit for discoveries and wider controversies, such as “global warming”, which bring in many diverse audiences. We will cover historical cases as well as contemporary ones. Students will critically evaluate the main analytical approaches towards controversies and we will also explore new web-based tools for researching controversies.