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The Golem at Large Harry Collins (University of Bath)

The Golem at Large By Harry Collins (University of Bath)

The Golem at Large by Harry Collins (University of Bath)


$12.69
Condition - Like New
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Summary

In this follow up to their earlier book, The Golem: What You Should Know about Science, the authors now consider the Golem of technology. Using the same successful format, in a series of case studies they demonstrate that the imperfections in technology are related to the uncertainties in science.

The Golem at Large Summary

The Golem at Large: What You Should Know about Technology by Harry Collins (University of Bath)

In the very successful and widely discussed first volume in the Golem series, The Golem: What You Should Know about Science, Harry Collins and Trevor Pinch likened science to the Golem, a creature from Jewish mythology, a powerful creature which, while not evil, can be dangerous because it is clumsy. In this second volume, the authors now consider the Golem of technology. In a series of case studies they demonstrate that the imperfections in technology are related to the uncertainties in science described in the first volume. The case studies cover the role of the Patriot anti-missile missile in the Gulf War, the Challenger space shuttle explosion, tests of nuclear fuel flasks and of anti-misting kerosene as a fuel for airplanes, economic modeling, the question of the origins of oil, analysis of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and the contribution of lay expertise to the analysis of treatments for AIDS.

The Golem at Large Reviews

'Of the many impressive texts that use case studies to convey 'what you should know about technology', The Golem at Large is the clearest and simplest.' Barry Barnes, Nature
' riveting.' Robert Gaitskell, Times Higher Educational Supplement

Table of Contents

Preface and acknowledgements; Introduction: the technological Golem; 1. A clean kill?: The role of Patriot in the Gulf War; 2. The naked launch: assigning blame for the Challenger explosion; 3. Crash!: Nuclear fuel flasks and anti-misting kerosene on trial; 4. The world according to gold: disputes about the origins of oil; 5. Tidings of comfort and joy: seven wise men and the science of economics; 6. The science of the lambs: Chernobyl and the Cumbrian sheep farmers; 7. Acting up: AIDS cures and lay expertise; Conclusion: the Golem goes to world; References and further reading.

Additional information

GOR013688080
9781107688285
1107688280
The Golem at Large: What You Should Know about Technology by Harry Collins (University of Bath)
Used - Like New
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
2014-05-15
256
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
The book has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included if applicable. No missing or damaged pages, no tears, possible very minimal creasing, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins

Customer Reviews - The Golem at Large