From: cyberoid@milton.u.washington.edu (Robert Jacobson)
Subject: BIB/SOC: _The Technology of Discovery and The Discovery 
Date: Sun, 9 Feb 1992 22:36:40 GMT
Organization: Human Interface Technology Lab, Univ. of Wash., Seattle



(There are two items to follow.)

Several persons have written to request how to obtain copies of this
excellent anthology, the proceedings of the Sixth International Conference
of the Society for Philosophy and Technology.  I don't know the stand-alone
price (I got mine as a member of the SPT, whose membership fee is a grand
$10), but here is where to write:

	THE TECHNOLOGY OF DISCOVERY AND
	THE DISCOVERY OF TECHNOLOGY

	Edited by Joseph C. Pitt and
	Elena Lugo, 1991

	Society for Philosophy and Technology
	c/o Department of Philosophy
	Virginia Polytechnic Institute &
	 State University
	309 Patton Hall
	Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA

This is a 520-page special, with topics including "Techniques of Discovery:
Broad and Narrow Characterizations," "The Ambivalences of the Technological
Universe," "Paradigms and Paraphernalia: On the Relation Between Theory
and Technology in Science," and chapters dealing with specific issues 
raised by various fields of science (like agriculture, information techno-
logy, architecture, and so forth.  Langdon Winner's closing chapter, "Upon
Opening the Black Box and Finding It Empty," is a real gem.

			*      *     *

On a related note, Dr. Joseph Behar of Dowling College offers a provocative
letter on the sociology of computing in the current NEWSLETTER OF THE SPT.

	Over the years in my seeking association with professional
	groups dealing with computing and information technology
	issues, I have come across a consistent tendency and empha-
	sis which I find disconcerting and counterproductive.  Most
	of these groups, including the Microcomputing section of 
	the American Sociological Association, seem to regard 
	knowledge and skills relating to the technology as primary 
	and are not very interested in social impact, theoretical, 
	or other critical issues and perspectives.  There is a good 
	deal of applications and strategies, and other "how to" 
	indications relating to the academic use of computers.  
	There seems, however, to be little attention paid to cri-
	tical issues involving ethics, social changes, politics, 
	and economics which would allow for more disinterested and 
	critical points of view.

	In this section, as well as in the Science, Technology,
	and Knowledge Section and other special interest groups
	and professional associations, the attitude seems to be
	one of a relatively uncritical and happy acceptance of
	new information technologies, with a rush to secure their
	implementation.  Essentially, a professional and voca-
	tional fascination with the technology overcomes a 
	disinterested, sociological, or critical interest in
	objective analysis and commentary.  While there are
	opportunities for people to publish and comment on tech-
	nology, most of these places exist in journals not
	specifically involved in studies of computers.

	Overall, I think this reflects on the sorry state of 
	the sociology of technology.  While there are important
	exceptions, there is not enough distanced, objective
	sociological research focusing on the important social
	meanings and structures of computers.  In its place, we
	find "interest groups" of committed practitioners who
	apparently believe than an interest in computing is
	equivalent to its acceptance and promotion, and have
	shaped their professional associations accordingly.

	Is this a cranky distortion or do others out there
	share some parts of this perception?  I am not really
	sure why this exists, but I am pretty certain that in
	other special interests sections, such as in the study
	of deviance, the discussion doesn't focus on the pro-
	fessional use of the latest techniques of criminals
	or the share promotion of social disorder.

		Joseph E. Behar, Ph.D.
		Professor
		Department of Sociology
		Dowling College
		Oakdale, NY 11769 USA


The Newsletter, which this month comes with a wonderful listing of relevant
conferences and a current books list, is also a benefit of membership.  For
those interested in joinin SPT, the address is:

		Dr. Stan Carpenter
		Department of Public Policy
		Georgia Technical Institute
		Atlanta, GA 30332-0345 USA

The next conference of the SPT, to be held in Valencia, Spain (1993), is
on the general topic of "Technology and Ecology."


Bob Jacobson
Moderator