In this fascinating book, Massimiano Bucchi provides a much needed introduction to a rapidly growing subject area. This text brings theory alive and will be essential reading for all students of the sociology of science.

Introduction Prologue 1. The Development of Modern Science and the Birth of the Sociology of Science 2. Paradigms and Styles of Thought: A 'Social Window' on Science? 3. Is Mathematics Socially Shaped? The Strong Programme 4. Inside the Laboratory 5. Tearing Bicycles and Missiles Apart: The Sociology of Technology 6. Science Wars' 7. Communicating Science 8. A New Science? References. Index of Names