This book proposes a new approach to sociological analysis and, in particular, to the analysis of scientific culture. It moves away from previous studies which have tended to focus on scientist' actions and beliefs, to show that analysis of scientific discourse can be productive and revealing.

The book was originally published by Cambridge University Press in 1984 (ISBN 0 521 27430 3), but went out of print, with the copyright reverting to the authors, in 2003. It is freely available here for download or viewing.

Click on the PDF link below to go to the chapter text.

Contents

Acknowledgements
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Preface
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    Scientists' discourse as a topic
    PDF

    A possible history of the field
    PDF

    Contexts of scientific disclosure
    PDF

    Accounting for error
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    The truth will out
    PDF

    Constructing and deconstructing consensus
    PDF

    Working conceptual hallucinations
    PDF

    Joking apart
    PDF

    Pandora's bequest
    PDF

Notes
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Index
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