Questions which have traditionally been raised in the philosophy of science have increasingly become empirical questions about how reflexive and substantive discourses can feedback on each other.

Themes for this discussion are, for example:

v    The difference between scientific knowledge and common-sense knowledge: Can one specify a criterion of “demarcation” in terms relevant for the social sciences?

v    Legitimation in the social sciences: Does social-scientific knowledge provide authority?

v    Is the differentiation among disciplines in the social sciences valid? How does your discipline differ from others?

v    How are research agendas shaped? Theoretically and/or in terms of social problems (Mode 2)? “Anything goes?” (Feyerabend)?

v    Are the structures of the scientific community best considered as “old boys networks”?

v    Does anonymous peer review function as a validation mechanism for communication in the social sciences?

v    Do audiences legitimate research results?

v    Can contractors influence research results?

Colloquia Science & Technology Dynamics
University of Amsterdam
Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences

in collaboration with

the Amsterdam School of Communications Research ASCoR

the Amsterdam School of Social science Research ASSR

Friday, 27 May 2005, 3-5 pm.
 

Location: Oost-Indisch Huis, Heren XVII

Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX  Amsterdam

5 pm. drinks offered by the ASSR 

Sociology and STS

Discussants:

•       Abram de Swaan (university professor of social science)

Some Problems in the Social Science Study of Massive Violence

•    Bernhard Kittel (methods of social science research)

Some Reflections on Life, the Universe, and Everything, as well as a few other Petitesses

chair: Rob Hagendijk (science & technology studies; political science)

Friday, 11 February 2005, 3-5 pm.

Location: Binnengasthuis BG V, room 203,

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 237, 1012 DL  Amsterdam

Political Science and STS

Discussants:

•       Jos de Beus (political theory):

Rethinking Practices of Political Science in the Light of the Philosophy of Science  (extended)

•       Maarten Hajer (public policy)

Political Science Beyond the Two times Two Cross-Tabulation  

chair: Amade M’charek (science & technology studies; political science)

Friday, 18 March 2005, 3-5 pm.

Location: Oost-Indisch Huis, Heren XVII

Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX  Amsterdam

Anthropology and STS

Discussants:

•       Birgit Meyer (religion and society):

 Some points of reflection

•       Stuart Blume (science & technology dynamics)

 Anthropology and STS

chair: Anita Hardon ( anthropology)

Friday, 22 April 2005, 3-5 pm.

Location: Oost-Indisch Huis, Heren XVII

Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX  Amsterdam

5 pm. drinks offered by ASCoR  

Communication Studies and STS

Discussants:

•       Liesbet van Zoonen (media and popular culture)

Media, common sense and academic knowledge: ongoing battles

•       Ed Tan (media entertainment)

Communications and the boundaries of common sense

chair: Paul Wouters (science & technology studies; e-science)