The Knowledge Book: Key Concepts in Philosophy, Science and Culture - Softcover

"A lively and engaging book that provides sharp and insightful overviews of some of the most important concepts and terms on the cultural and philosophical aspects of knowledge. An essential reference." - Gerard Delanty, Professor of Sociology, University of Liverpool "... fun to read, informative and endlessly provocative. Invaluable to the newcomer to these fields and useful to the specialist." - Stephen Turner, Professor of Philosophy, University of South Florida"

"The Knowledge Book" is a unique interdisciplinary reference work for students and researchers concerned with the nature of knowledge. It is the first work of its kind to be organized on the assumption that whatever else knowledge might be, it is intrinsically social. The book consists of 42 alphabetically arranged entries on key concepts at the intersection of philosophy and sociology - what used to be called "sociology of knowledge" but is now increasingly called "social epistemology". The entries include concepts common to disciplines that in recent years have devoted more of their attention to knowledge: cultural studies, communication studies, information science, education, policy studies and business studies. Special attention is given to concepts from the emerging field of science and technology studies. Each entry presents a short, self-contained essay providing an overview of a concept and concludes with suggestions for further reading. All the entries are fully cross-referenced, allowing readers to both make connections and follow their own interests.