Thomas Söderqvist – författare

This biography probes the unusual mind, the dramatic life, and the outstanding scientific work of Danish-born immunologist Niels Jerne (1911–1994). Jerne’s Nobel Prize-winning achievements in the field of immunology place him in the pantheon of great twentieth-century biomedical theorists, yet his life is perhaps even more interesting than his science. Science as Autobiography tells Jerne’s story, weaving together a narrative of his life experiences, emotional life, and extraordinarily creative scientific work. A legendary figure who preferred an afternoon of conversation in a Paris wine bar to work in the laboratory, Jerne was renowned for his unparalleled powers of concentration and analytical keenness as well as his dissonant personal life. The book explores Jerne the man and scientist, making the fascinating argument that his life experience and view of himself became a metaphorical resource for the construction of his theories. The book also probes the moral issues that surrounded Jerne’s choice to sacrifice his family in favor of scientific goals and the pursuit of excellence.

As historians of science increasingly turn to work on recent (post 1945) science, the historiographical and methodological problems associated with the history of contemporary science are debated with growing frequency and urgency. Bringing together authorities on the history, historiography and methodology of recent and contemporary science, this book reviews the problems facing historians of technology, contemporary science and medicine, and explores new ways forward. With contributions from key researchers in the field, the text covers topics that will be of ever increasing interest to historians of post-war science, including the difficulties of accessing and using secret archival material, the interactions between archivists, historians and scientists, and the politics of evidence and historical accounts.

As historians of science increasingly turn to work on recent (post 1945) science, the historiographical and methodological problems associated with the history of contemporary science are debated with growing frequency and urgency. Bringing together authorities on the history, historiography and methodology of recent and contemporary science, this book reviews the problems facing historians of technology, contemporary science and medicine, and explores new ways forward. With contributions from key researchers in the field, the text covers topics that will be of ever increasing interest to historians of post-war science, including the difficulties of accessing and using secret archival material, the interactions between archivists, historians and scientists, and the politics of evidence and historical accounts.

Intellectuals, Universities, and the State in Western Modern Societies explores the evolving role of intellectuals within the frameworks of universities and states in contemporary Western societies. Starting with historical references, the book traces debates about intellectuals from the French Revolution to modern theoretical discussions, highlighting key figures like Antonio Gramsci, Robert Michels, and Alvin Gouldner. Through these intellectual foundations, the volume examines the relationships between intellectuals and broader societal structures, emphasizing their cultural and economic power. Topics include the "new class" theory, cultural capital, professionalization, and the sociopolitical dynamics of intellectual labor. The essays argue that intellectuals have transitioned from traditional roles to influential agents within bureaucratic and educational institutions, shaping public discourse and governance.The collection is divided between theoretical analyses and historical-empirical case studies. Contributors critique and expand upon Gouldner's concepts, explore professionalization in Sweden, and analyze intellectual involvement in labor movements and socialist causes. Empirical research, such as longitudinal studies of Finnish students, enriches the discussion by linking intellectual roles to structural and cultural dynamics. The volume concludes with reflections on the interdisciplinary debates at the conference that inspired these essays. Together, the contributions illuminate the centrality of intellectuals in defining modern social, cultural, and political frameworks while addressing gaps in research about their evolving influence in postindustrial contexts.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1987.

Intellectuals, Universities, and the State in Western Modern Societies explores the evolving role of intellectuals within the frameworks of universities and states in contemporary Western societies. Starting with historical references, the book traces debates about intellectuals from the French Revolution to modern theoretical discussions, highlighting key figures like Antonio Gramsci, Robert Michels, and Alvin Gouldner. Through these intellectual foundations, the volume examines the relationships between intellectuals and broader societal structures, emphasizing their cultural and economic power. Topics include the "new class" theory, cultural capital, professionalization, and the sociopolitical dynamics of intellectual labor. The essays argue that intellectuals have transitioned from traditional roles to influential agents within bureaucratic and educational institutions, shaping public discourse and governance.The collection is divided between theoretical analyses and historical-empirical case studies. Contributors critique and expand upon Gouldner's concepts, explore professionalization in Sweden, and analyze intellectual involvement in labor movements and socialist causes. Empirical research, such as longitudinal studies of Finnish students, enriches the discussion by linking intellectual roles to structural and cultural dynamics. The volume concludes with reflections on the interdisciplinary debates at the conference that inspired these essays. Together, the contributions illuminate the centrality of intellectuals in defining modern social, cultural, and political frameworks while addressing gaps in research about their evolving influence in postindustrial contexts.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1987.

Biographies of scientists carry an increasingly prominent role in today's publishing climate. Traditional historical and sociological accounts of science are complemented by narratives that emphasize the importance of the scientific subject in the production of science. Not least is the realization that the role of science in culture is much more accessible when presented through the lives of its practitioners. Taken as a genre, such biographies play an important role in the public understanding of science. In recent years there has been an increasing number of monographs and collections about biography in general and literary biography in particular. However, biographies of scientists, engineers and medical doctors have rarely been the topic of scholarly inquiry. As such this volume of essays will be welcomed by those interested in the genre of science biography, and who wish to re-examine its history, foundational problems and theoretical implications. Borrowing approaches and methods from cultural studies and the history, philosophy and sociology of science, the contributions cover a broad range of subjects, periods and locations. By presenting such a rich diversity of essays, the volume is able to chart the reoccurring conceptual problems and devices that have influenced scientific biographies from classical antiquity to the present day. In so doing it provides a compelling overview of the history of the genre, suggesting that the different valuations given scientific biography over time have been largely fuelled by vested professional interests.