Prometheus Bound

New
Hardcover
1994
$133.62

After expanding steadily for centuries, science is reaching its limits to growth. We can no longer afford the ever increasing cost of exploring ever wider research opportunities. In the competition for resources, science is becoming much more tightly organised. A radical, pervasive and permanent structural change is taking place. It already affects the whole research system, from everyday laboratory life to national budgets. The scientific enterprise cannot avoid fundamental change, but excessive managerial insistence on accountability, evaluation, 'priority setting', etc. can be very inhospitable to expertise, innovation, criticism and creativity. Can the research system be reshaped without losing many features that have made science so productive? This trenchant analysis of a deep-rooted historical process does not assume any technical knowledge of the natural sciences, their history, philosophy, sociology or politics. It is addressed to everybody who is concerned about the future of science and its place in society.

Synopsis

After expanding steadily for centuries, science is reaching its limits to growth. We can no longer afford the ever increasing cost of exploring ever wider research opportunities. In the competition for resources, science is becoming much more tightly organised. A radical, pervasive and permanent structural change is taking place. It already affects the whole research system, from everyday laboratory life to national budgets. The scientific enterprise cannot avoid fundamental change, but excessive managerial insistence on accountability, evaluation, 'priority setting', etc. can be very inhospitable to expertise, innovation, criticism and creativity. Can the research system be reshaped without losing many features that have made science so productive? This trenchant analysis of a deep-rooted historical process does not assume any technical knowledge of the natural sciences, their history, philosophy, sociology or politics. It is addressed to everybody who is concerned about the future of science and its place in society.

$133.62

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 300
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 25 Mar 1994
ISBN 10: 0521434300
ISBN 13: 9780521434300
Book Overview: A searching critique of the structural changes currently taking place in the scientific community, showing that managerial considerations now threaten to crowd out the creative element in science.

Media Reviews

'Ziman succeeds very well in ... describing the structures of academic science and the motivations of scientists driven by the intense competition of research at the frontiers. He gives an excellent analysis of the many dangers that threaten the future success of the enterprise ... Ziman's analysis will strike echoes everywhere. This is a book for all those who wish to understand the concerns of those working at the frontiers of science to set Prometheus free.' Nature
'Prometheus Bound is a masterly contribution to our thinking on these issues.' Book Review
' ... a deep analysis of the origins and extent of the changes that are affecting every facet of scientific enterprise and the lives of individual scientists and corporations.' New Scientist
Ziman succeeds very well in his purpose of describing the structures of academic science and the motivations of scientists driven by the intense competition of research at the frontiers. He gives an excellent analysis of the many dangers that threaten the future success of the enterprise and are the causes of much anguish in the laboratories....for all who wish to understand the concerns of those working at the frontiers of science to set Prometheus free. John Mulvey, Nature
... a masterly contribution to our thinking on these issues...With wit, grace, and light touches of erudition, Ziman clarifies the challenges of managing the enterprise of discovery. Rodney W. Nichols, Science
...It offers a deep analysis of the origins and extent of the changes that are affecting every facet of scientific enterprise and the lives of individual scientists and corporations. New Scientist, June, 1994 lx x
...a good overview of what is happening in contemporary science policy. It is provacative, showing why more conscious efforts in making choices are taking place. W. Henry Lambright, Chemical & Engineering News
...Highly recommended. L.W. Moore, Choice
...Although Ziman's focus is on British science, the trends he discusses are general enough to make this book of broad interest... Dale Jamieson, Issues in Science & Technology
...a timely and important book....everyone in science and technology, all academics, all who care about scholarship and education, should read this book and ponder its implications. Henry H. Bauer, Journal of Scientific Exploration
...the latest in a series of outstanding books on science and society written by John Ziman...Ziman examines the transformation that is underway with great detail and great skill...he has done a superb job...probably the best description that exists of what's happening on the academic scientific scene today... Roland W. Schmitt, American Journal of Physics