Laboratory Life

Laboratory Life is a seminal work that delves into the intricate world of scientific research through an anthropological lens. Co-authored by Bruno Latour and Steve Woolgar, this book vividly illustrates the social processes and dynamics that underpin the production of scientific knowledge.

The Story

In Laboratory Life, the authors immerse themselves in the everyday routines and interactions of scientists working in a laboratory setting. They observe how scientific facts are constructed, negotiated, and validated within the collaborative space of the lab. By focusing on the social dimensions of science, Latour and Woolgar challenge the conventional notion of scientific objectivity, revealing the complex interplay between culture, politics, and knowledge-making.

Why Readers Love It

• The book offers a groundbreaking perspective on the sociology of science, making it essential reading for those interested in the social studies of science.
• Latour and Woolgar's engaging narrative style transforms dense theoretical concepts into accessible insights, appealing to both scholars and general readers.
• The authors’ nuanced observations encourage readers to rethink their understanding of scientific practice and the nature of expertise.

Perfect For

This book is ideal for students and scholars in anthropology, sociology, and science studies, as well as anyone intrigued by the inner workings of scientific research. Readers who appreciate Latour’s other works, such as Science in Action and Reassembling the Social, will find Laboratory Life equally compelling.

The book provides a rich tapestry of the laboratory as a site of cultural production, making it a fascinating study of how knowledge is socially constructed.