Examines recent historiography of science as a means of considering what counts as cultural history and attempts to coordinate it with the sociologically informed studies of the past 10 or 15 years. (87 references) (Author/MKR)

Fifteen National Science Foundation executives and managers met with Arnold Thackray to discuss the historian and the progress of science. Presented are comments by participants of this roundtable discussion (part of a series of roundtables which examined theoretical/practical aspects of how the nature of scientific progress is defined and…

Describes developments in the use of information technology in the biological discipline of taxonomy, using both a historical overview and a detailed case study of a particular information systems project. (41 references) (Author/MKR)

Based on the study of two issues, forest death from acid rain and the size of whale stocks, this article shows how the constraints of commercial mass media can be contrary to the task of enlightenment. (42 references) (Author/MKR)

Discusses the social role of science and the social responsibilities of scientists, along with the concomitant roles that philosophy, history, and sociology of science have in current social concerns. (CS)

Discusses the emphases that science and technology museums give to ethics and values issues and issues related to these museums as policy tools. Includes a brief classification of museums, the philosophical/practical dichotomy between these models as seen in two recent books, and major influences on science museums. (JN)

Explores possibilities for establishing dialogues between feminism and constructivism in the field of technology studies. Based on an overview of Norwegian feminist debates about technology, it indicates several points where feminism and constructivism meet and can mutually benefit from each other. (56 references) (Author/MKR)

Characteristics of science are explained through a historical and a functional approach. Indicates that science works successfully toward traditional goals because individual and group goals tend to coincide, and that competition between individual scientists contributes to the functional organization of science. (DH)

The belief that "knowledge is most effectively pursued when disseminated without hindrance" began when science first took shape in early Greece. Its development during the Middle Ages and Renaissance is discussed (examining patenting innovation), ownership rights became more important as science became a means to power. (DH)

Fifteen National Science Foundation personnel met with Stephen Toulmin to discuss topics/issues related to pluralism and responsibility in post-modern science. Presented is an edited transcript of this roundtable/discussion (part of a series of roundtables which examined theoretical/practical aspects of how the nature of scientific progress is…

Reviews factors involved in the rapid growth of medical ethics. Renal dialysis is discussed as an example of a problem in this applied field of ethics. (CS)

Discusses science policy issues and concern in China, focusing on how to balance the imperative for centralized planning and coordination in developing and using scientific and technical capabilities with the desirability of vesting a larger measure of decision-making authority in individual scientific and technical institutions and enterprises.…

Highlights science/technology activities/exhibits at five museums. These include Wilmington College Peace Resource Center (Ohio), Peace Museum (Chicago), Computer Museum (Marlboro, MA), Smithsonian Institution (discussing a seven-part television series on Smithsonian exhibits), and Association of Science and Technology Centers' traveling exhibit…

Discusses the history of personality-assessment tools. Describes the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and illustrates the process of co-production, how the right tool can become very wrong as networks dissipate and professional time goes by. (Author/CCM)

Discusses science/society interface and difficulties involved in developing realistic science indicators. Topics include: intrinsic vs. extrinsic indicators; four problems society faces as a result of technological activities (toxic chemicals, radioactive wastes, auto safety, cancer); research and development (R&D) priorities; international…