Re-Thinking Science

Re-Thinking Science examines the changing relationship between science and society in contemporary times. The authors analyze how scientific knowledge production has evolved beyond traditional academic boundaries into what they term "Mode 2" knowledge production. The book builds on their previous work about knowledge creation, exploring how science now operates in a more open, reflexive system with increased public participation. Their analysis covers the transformation of universities, research institutions, and scientific practices within the context of broader societal changes. Market forces, policy decisions, and public engagement have reshaped how scientific work is conducted and validated. The authors present case studies and theoretical frameworks to demonstrate these shifts in scientific practice and institutional structure. The text confronts fundamental questions about authority, expertise, and the social contract between science and society. At its core, this work challenges conventional understanding about what constitutes scientific knowledge and who gets to participate in its creation.

Readers describe this book as dense theoretical reading that requires significant background knowledge in sociology of science. The technical language and academic writing style make it a challenging read for non-specialists. Liked: - Deep analysis of how science interfaces with society - Strong theoretical framework about knowledge production - Clear arguments about public engagement in science Disliked: - Dense academic prose with complex terminology - Lack of concrete examples to illustrate concepts - Arguments can feel repetitive - Some readers note it reads like separate academic papers rather than a cohesive book From one review: "Important ideas buried under layers of sociological jargon. Had to re-read many passages multiple times." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) Google Books: No ratings available The low number of online reviews and ratings suggests this remains primarily an academic text rather than one reaching broader audiences.

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🔍 The book builds on ideas from a previous influential work "The New Production of Knowledge" (1994), expanding on how science and society interact in the modern world 🎓 Author Helga Nowotny served as President of the European Research Council from 2010 to 2013, bringing practical experience to the book's theoretical framework 🌐 The authors introduced the concept of "Mode 2" knowledge production, which describes research that is context-driven, problem-focused, and interdisciplinary—contrasting with traditional academic research 📚 The book was published in 2001 during a period of significant changes in how universities operated, as they shifted toward more market-oriented and commercially-linked research practices 🤝 The work emphasizes "socially robust knowledge," arguing that scientific expertise must be validated not just by peer review but also through broader social acceptance and understanding