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The Golem at Large Harry Collins (University of Wales College of Cardiff)

The Golem at Large By Harry Collins (University of Wales College of Cardiff)

The Golem at Large by Harry Collins (University of Wales College of Cardiff)


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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 Wales College of Cardiff)

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. The authors rework existing materials with great care to produce a valuable introduction to their topic that is accessible to anyone.' Barry Barnes, Nature
'Harry Collins and trevor Pinch have followed up their book about so-so science, The Golem, with The Golem at Large: What You Should Know About Technology. What you should know is that nothing is simple once humans are involved, especially humans with points to score or reputations to lose. During the Gulf war, how useful was the Patriot missle? What did President Bush mean when he said 41 out of 42 Iraqi Scud missiles were 'intercepted'? Who do you blame for the disaster of the Challenger shuttle mission in 1986? How do you work out where oil really comes from? Why would anyone believe one economist, let alone a group of seven?' Tim Radford, The Guardian
' ... riveting.' Robert Gaitskell, The Times Higher Education 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 work; References and further reading.

Additional information

GOR001404566
9780521551410
0521551412
The Golem at Large: What You Should Know about Technology by Harry Collins (University of Wales College of Cardiff)
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Cambridge University Press
19980917
175
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - The Golem at Large