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[Sciences and the State: a critical note on some theoretical propositions].
Jérôme Lamy1, Arnaud Saint-Martin
1Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Solidarités, Sociétés, Territoires, Centre d'Anthropologie Sociale, Université Toulouse II, , jerome.lamy@laposte.net.
Historia, Ciencias, Saude--Manguinhos
|January 28, 2012
Summary
This study examines how different theories in science and technology studies conceptualize the state's role in knowledge production. It finds that neoliberalism and actor-network theory marginalize the state, while regime of knowledge theory emphasizes its importance.
Area of Science:
- Science and Technology Studies (STS)
- Sociology of Knowledge
- Political Science
Context:
- The proliferation of theories in STS complicates understanding the relationship between scientific practices and the state.
- Existing theoretical frameworks offer divergent views on the state's influence and role in knowledge creation.
- Neoliberalism, Actor-Network Theory (ANT), and Regime of Knowledge (RoK) theory are examined.
Purpose:
- To critically appraise the differences between major theoretical frameworks in STS.
- To analyze how three distinct theoretical propositions conceptualize the state's relationship with scientific knowledge production.
- To identify the unique contributions and limitations of each theoretical approach.
Summary:
- Neoliberal ideology, in the new production of knowledge, omits the state from its conceptual framework.
- Actor-Network Theory (ANT) sidelines the state by focusing on actor-networks and their dynamic relations.
- Regime of Knowledge (RoK) theory uniquely positions the state as a central entity in managing knowledge production.
Impact:
- Provides a comparative analysis of key theories in STS, clarifying their stances on the state's role.
- Offers a framework for understanding how different theoretical lenses shape the study of science, technology, and governance.
- Highlights the importance of considering the state's influence in the evolving landscape of knowledge production and scientific practice.
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