The Conceptual and the Empirical in Science and Technology Studies

Bibliographic Data

ID5337008
AuthorsChristopher Gad (0000-0002-1631-5483, IT University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, corresponding author), David Ribes (0000-0003-2790-5080, Communication, Culture and Technology (CCT), Georgetown University)
Year2014
Volume39
Issue2
Pages183-191
Publication date2014-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScience Technology & Human Values (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0162-2439 • E-ISSN: 1552-8251
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0162243914522304
OpenAlexW2327562280
LanguageEN
Citations received15
References cited23

It is the purpose of this special issue to acknowledge the shifting definitions and uses of the conceptual and empirical in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS), and to explore the constructive potential of this condition. In this introductory essay we point to four formulations in STS for the relation between the conceptual and the empirical which do not figure them as binaries or opposites: (1) the empirical as a path to the conceptual, (2) the conceptual as practical and empirical, (3) the empirical as an instantiation of the conceptual (and the dangers of that view), and (4) a conceptual minimalism. We then point to some inspirations in contemporary thought for engaging creatively with the conceptual and empirical, and conclude by summarizing the contributions to this issue

Conceptual framework · Constructive · Empirical research · Minimalism (technical communication · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Information Systems Theories and Implementation · Philosophy and History of Science

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