SCIENCE AS CULTURE - A VIEW FROM THE PETRI DISH

Recent work in sociological/cultural studies of science (SCS) is chara cterized by the virtually total absence of any participation by practi sing scientists. This interdisciplinary barrier appears to be largely a consequence of the relativist approach to the study of science. In a ddition to having philosophical objections, scientists may reasonably ask whether an approach that effectively renders their interests irrel evant is strategically sound. If there are significant areas of opport unity where the methods and concepts of SCS could have a positive impa ct on the practice of science, collaboration between scientist and SCS er might well be preferred to the treatment of scientists as non-parti cipatory laboratory specimens.