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Informationen zum Autor John Law is Professor of Sociology and STS (Science and Technology Studies) at Lancaster University. He has written widely on the sociology of science and technology, organisation, health-care, disasters, and social theory and methods, where his continuing concern has been with the materiality and spatiality of complexity. Klappentext 'Research Methods': a compulsory course, loved by some but hated by many! This stimulating book is about what went wrong with 'research methods'. Its controversial argument is radical, and at times, even revolutionary. John Law argues that methods don't just describe social realities but are also involved in creating them. The implications of this argument are highly significant, as if this is the case, methods are always political, and it raises the question of what kinds of social realities we want to create. Most current methods look for clarity and precision. It is usually said that only poor research produces messy findings, and the idea that things in the world might be fluid, elusive, or multiple is unthinkable. Law's startling argument is that this is wrong and it is time for a new approach. Many realities, he says, are vague and ephemeral. If methods want to know and to help to shape the world, then they need to reinvent themselves and their politics to deal with mess. That is the challenge. Nothing less will do. This book is essential reading for students, postgraduates and researchers with an interest methodology. Zusammenfassung This book is a startling, controversial and original manifesto for a complete review of research methods and methodology in the social sciences and a must read for anyone involved in this area. Inhaltsverzeichnis 1. Introduction 2. Scientific Practices 3. Multiple Worlds 4. Fluid Results 5. Elusive Objects 6. Non-Conventional Forms 7. Ontological Politics 8. Answers and Questions Glossary References
