The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge Essay examples -- Sociology Essay

Sociology of Scientific Knowledge is a relatively new addition to sociology, emerging only several decades ago in the late 1970’s, and focuses on the theories and methods of science. It is seen as a notable success within the fields of sociology and sociology of science. In its infancy, SSK was primarily a British academic endeavor. These days, it is studied and practiced all over the world, with heavy influences in Germany, Scandinavia, Israel, the Netherlands, France, Australia, and North America. David Hess tells us that in science, a black box is any device for which the input and output are specified but the internal mechanisms are not. â€Å"Sometimes the study of this content is described as ‘opening a black box’† (Whitley 1972). Advocates of SSK have criticized the Institutional Sociology of Science of leaving a black box of content unopened, and examining only the exogenous, institutional aspects of science and technology. Traditionally, studying the content of science from a sociological perspective had been very controversial. Hess tells us that one way to characterize this study of the content of science and technology is with constructivism. He succinctly boils down the term and designates it as any approach which attempts to trace the incidences which shape the content of science and technology. However Hess also notes that â€Å"one can analyze the social factors that influence the content of scientific knowledge or technological design and yet also conclude that the constraints of observations or efficacy (the real world) play an equal or greater shaping role in what eventually becomes the consensus.† To understand this idea further, we can look at the term â€Å"social constructivism.† In simple terms, these are studies which ... ..., symmetry and impartiality. Collins argues that by studying scientific controversies one can determine how scientific knowledge is created, disseminated, and validated. There are three main components of the EPOR: Interpretive flexibility where the results of scientific experiments can be interpreted in different ways. Closure mechanisms where debates in science are not closed strictly on the basis of evidence, as this evidence is contested, rather microsociological factors close debates. And the third component implies that microsociological factors can, in principle, be linked to macrosociological factors. Works Cited Collins, H.M. 1981 Introduction: Stages in the Empirical Programme of Relativism, Social Studies of Science pp. 3-10 Sismondo, S. 2004 An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies Hess, D. 1997 Science Studies: An Advanced Introduction The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge Essay examples -- Sociology Essay Sociology of Scientific Knowledge is a relatively new addition to sociology, emerging only several decades ago in the late 1970’s, and focuses on the theories and methods of science. It is seen as a notable success within the fields of sociology and sociology of science. In its infancy, SSK was primarily a British academic endeavor. These days, it is studied and practiced all over the world, with heavy influences in Germany, Scandinavia, Israel, the Netherlands, France, Australia, and North America. David Hess tells us that in science, a black box is any device for which the input and output are specified but the internal mechanisms are not. â€Å"Sometimes the study of this content is described as ‘opening a black box’† (Whitley 1972). Advocates of SSK have criticized the Institutional Sociology of Science of leaving a black box of content unopened, and examining only the exogenous, institutional aspects of science and technology. Traditionally, studying the content of science from a sociological perspective had been very controversial. Hess tells us that one way to characterize this study of the content of science and technology is with constructivism. He succinctly boils down the term and designates it as any approach which attempts to trace the incidences which shape the content of science and technology. However Hess also notes that â€Å"one can analyze the social factors that influence the content of scientific knowledge or technological design and yet also conclude that the constraints of observations or efficacy (the real world) play an equal or greater shaping role in what eventually becomes the consensus.† To understand this idea further, we can look at the term â€Å"social constructivism.† In simple terms, these are studies which ... ..., symmetry and impartiality. Collins argues that by studying scientific controversies one can determine how scientific knowledge is created, disseminated, and validated. There are three main components of the EPOR: Interpretive flexibility where the results of scientific experiments can be interpreted in different ways. Closure mechanisms where debates in science are not closed strictly on the basis of evidence, as this evidence is contested, rather microsociological factors close debates. And the third component implies that microsociological factors can, in principle, be linked to macrosociological factors. Works Cited Collins, H.M. 1981 Introduction: Stages in the Empirical Programme of Relativism, Social Studies of Science pp. 3-10 Sismondo, S. 2004 An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies Hess, D. 1997 Science Studies: An Advanced Introduction

All In The Name Of Honor Essay

Yale lecturer Joanne Freeman (2001), in her book, â€Å"The Affairs of Honour†, dissects the New Republic through cultural microscopic lenses by focusing on the Founders’ personal honor and reputation as the underlying factor for all political action in America’s inchoate democracy. The auhor strengthens her thesis as she explores with compelling narratives how the nation’s Founders behaved and acted, all in the name of personal honor, to an extent of reckless violence in order to claim their rightful positions in the annals of history. The most stunning account in the book is the renowned duel between then vice-president Col. Aaron Burr and Gen. Alexander Hamilton, former aide-de-camp to George Washington, stemming from a criticism allegedly made by Hamilton against Burr, saying the latter is, â€Å"one who ought not to be trusted with the reins of government† (Freeman, 2001, p. 6). By publishing articles on the American Citizen that were deemed insulting to his honor and reputation, Burr eventually made the bold duel dare to Hamilton, who accepted, and lost his life in the end. In saying , as a forewarning to the reader, that â€Å"†¦we must concede that there was a larger logic underlying the duel, a belief so strong that it compelled men to hazard their lives† (Freeman, 2001, p. 65), and proving later on that both men were compelled to risk their lives because of their own vanities, Freeman is actually telling the reader that both men, although great in their own respects, were too obsessed with personal honor to do anything of political significance. Freeman presents the Founders as alpha males out to satiate their personal egos and risking even their lives to prove so. Freeman plays too much emphasis on looking at decisions at face value and ignoring to appreciate the political significance or rationale behind them. For instance, when she says â€Å"at various points in their political careers, even men of seemingly ironclad principles like Jefferson and Hamilton were rumored to have abandoned their supporters to join with former foes† (Freeman, 2001, p. 269), she is misleading and unfairly painting a picture of treachery and backstabbing in the Founders as if to do so would be unforgivable betrayal to the American people. To Freeman, affairs of honor were a way out for great personalities of the New Republic to cope with the seemingly unstable political life, along with gossip networks, media, and duel as the last resort. As there were no established political parties yet, politics was personal, alliances were unpredictable and in short, you could trust no one during this period. Therefore, the â€Å"code of honour did more than channel and monitor political conflict; it formed the very infrastructure of national politics, providing a governing logic and weapons of war† (Freeman, 2001, p. 146). Dueling, like she says, was a trend. A careful reading of literature mentioned by David Waldstreicher (2002) in his article Founders Chic as Culture War appears to indicate a growing trend and acceptance in a cultural (re)writing of American history, from the traditional bottom-up approach to the top-bottom perspective, characterized by what I think, is an unfortunate emphasis on personalizing the progress and gains of the American revolution. While themselves admittedly more appealing than the traditional textbook-styled accounts of history, the accounts by Joseph Ellis, David McCullough and Joanne Freeman being reviewed by Waldstreicher have the effect of de-emphasizing the complex political process during those times to mere political squabbles and â€Å"affairs of honour† instead of an interplay of the yet fluid political divisions (governors) and the people (governed) and how these two groups came to terms in order to produce the democracy that America champions. Judging by the way Waldstreicher presents his views on the three, it is apparent that he agrees with some of the authors, not particularly on Freeman, on how individually, the Founders struggled with their own personal demons, but the former carefully points out Ellis, in still adulating them, saying , â€Å"Things fell apart, but character—greatness—held† (Waldstreicher, 2002, p. 187). A culturalist also, he is careful to create a demarcation line between the views espoused by Freeman and his own, suggesting that Freeman is in a way reviving the Washington beltway vision of how politics operates, telling it from the perspective of the leader or the general, and throwing aside ideologies, partisanship, policy and instutional development. Freeman’s return to the â€Å"dead white men† perspective and exaggerated emphasis to humanize Founders in her book undoubtedly makes for a compelling story; one that would make for a good history read. However, the extreme focus on the personal traits of the Founders in her book undermines historiography in general. I do not believe that men like Adams or Jefferson, could be that dense, especially while basking at the still-idealistic mood out of the gains of the revolution, would have thought that only their personal honor was at stake. There is without a doubt several failings in character among the Founders, like all other human beings, but, like Waldstreicher, an appreciation of them should be based on the political significance of their actions, not on anything else. I possess no sacred reverence for the Founders in excess of how I appreciate their individual contributions in concert with the actions of a vigilant people who, collectively, shaped America to what she is today, faults and all. By singling out the Founders and presenting evidence on how they backstabbed, deceived or shifted allegiances is to ignore that the same culture pervades in modern America and elsewhere as a political maneuver allowed in a democracy. By representing history solely on individual action and characters of the Founders is to brandish a reportage of events that generally undermines American heritage. References Freeman, J. B. (2001). Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. Waldstreicher, D. (2002). Founders Chic as Culture War. Radical History Review, 84, pp. 184-94.

Career Orientation - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 847 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2017/09/11 Category Advertising Essay Did you like this example? Career Orientation January 30, 2010, 3:00pm to 5:00pm AVR 3 ASSESSMENT The seminar was presented by some former Mapua students which are know very successful in their respective careers. Mr. Ferdinand Iquina talked about his experiences on how he applied to the company his is currently working. He said that at first he tried applying to other companies just to have an idea on how a job interview is held. He tried researching about the company to have a background. He said that his employer was amazed by one of his project which is a running led display. Mr. Joel Dizon, one of the guest speakers, shared his experiences in the Graduating Class such as his employment to a publishing company. He told the Graduating Class about his work a how he was asked to work in a technical magazine for his ability to explain technical terms to the layman. The last speaker was Ms. Jasmine Po-Sayo, she is know a vice-president on the company that she applied a decade ago. She also shared her experiences and gave the Graduating Class tips on how she attained her position. Introduction to Cisco Unified Communication February 6, 2010, 5:00pm to 7:00pm Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Career Orientation" essay for you Create order AVR 2 ASSESSMENT The seminar was presented by Engr. Frederick Chua which is about Cisco’s innovations regarding their products. The presenter discussed the different products that are being manufactured which can greatly help the masses. At first, the Graduating Class cannot relate to what the presenter is saying because it is too technical. Some of the class does not have Cisco classes since there are enrolled in Unix as there track. The presenter showed the Graduating Class how to make calls abroad using the internet. The presenter called a friend in Singapore using his laptop. The Graduating Class was really amazed on how that particular software is working. Unfortunately, the software is very expensive. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) March 6, 2010, 10:00am to 12:00nn SB 1 ASSESSMENT The seminar was suppose to be held at NB1 but was move to SB1 for some technical reasons. The seminar was facilitated by Engr. Rainier Veral. The seminar is about a certain specification of images which is superior to jpeg, bitmap and other types of images. During the seminar, the presenter demonstrated the differences of images written in the said formats. The images which are made using svg can be zoomed without destroying the credibility of the images. The zooming does not make the image pixelated. The presenter also mentioned the application of svg in business such as advertising. The Graduating Class did not have the chance to do the hands on because of the restriction on the computers regarding the use of Mozilla Firefox which is needed to run and view the images in svg format. Career Development Seminar February 27, 2010, 7:30pm to 4:30pm AVR 2 ASSESSMENT The seminar was held by Center for Career Services. The seminar was attended by the Graduating Class of Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial and Computer Engineering. The seminar lasted for about a day. The seminar is about job interviews and resume. The first speaker talked about the resume that should be submitted to an employer such as the details that the resume should contain and the different layouts that should be used. The speaker also showed the Graduating Class two videos which show a freshly graduate student that is being interviewed for a job. The other video is about a person who is prepared for an interview. The speaker elaborated which what are the things that should be avoided in an interview. He also mentioned the questions that are usually asked in an interview. The speaker, having an experience of interviewing job applicants, gave the Graduating Class some tips which can be helpful in an interview. During the seminar, some people from a maritime company also presented their business to recruit Electrical Engineers and Mechanical Engineers. On the last part of the seminar, a representative from Sutherland, a business product outsourcing company, gave an inspirational talk regarding job interviews. They also held a mock interview in which all the Graduating Class will be interviewed as if it was an actual interview. PLANT VISIT: HITACHI Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corporation (HTMP) February 19, 2010 ASSESSMENT The field trip was held on February 19, 2010 at Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corporation in Subic Techno Park. The field trip is scheduled from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The Graduating Class left Manila at 5:45 am and arrived at Hitachi at 8:45. The staffs of Hitachi gave the graduating class a short talked about the company’s profile. The staffs of Hitachi divided the graduating class in groups before doing the tour. During the tour, the Graduating Class saw how the products were made such as the card readers for ATM machines and the equipments used. The tour lasted only a few minutes and the stay in Hitachi did not last as long as the scheduled time. After the tour the officers of the Graduating Class gave the staffs of Hitachi tokens of appreciation. After leaving Hitachi, the Graduating Class was given a tour around Subic Bay Freeport Zone by a representative from Department of Tourism in Subic.