New Medical Technologies and Society

Nik Brown is Research Fellow and Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Studies Unit (SATSU), University of York. Andrew Webster is Professor in the Sociology of Science and Director of the Science and Technology Studies Unit (SATSU), University of York

‘This is a timely analysis of the ways in which contemporary medical technologies are reshaping the human lifecourse, and indeed our very ideas of life and death. While pointing to the spirals of expectation and disappointment that run through all these developments, Brown and Webster show that new forms of life are being generated in which human vitality is enmeshed in novel institutional, professional, legal and experiential networks. The book not only provides a map of this emerging field, but draws on a wide range of sociological arguments to develop conceptual tools that will prove very helpful to those working in this increasingly crucial area.’ – Nikolas Rose, London School of Economics‘An especially useful and thorough treatment. Brown and Webster demonstrate the efficacy of science and technology studies for understanding the myriad ways in which new medical technologies are reordering life.’ – Steve Woolgar, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

• Chapter One Introduction: New Medical Technologies and Society. Chapter two Science & Technology Studies: Opening the Black Bag.Chapter Three Reproducing Medical Technology.Chapter Four Maintaining the Body.Chapter Five Substituting the Body.Chapter Six Technologies of Death and Dying.Chapter Seven Conclusion.Technical Glossary.References and Bibliography.Index