Science-Mart: Privatizing American Science
Eminently thought-provoking, this book places the contemporary economics of science in a context that combines political economy and intellectual history. A deeply impressive work that contributes to crucial debates. Mirowski never shies away from controversy and presents his case clearly and persuasively in an effective, engaging, and humorous style. (Donald MacKenzie, author ofAn Engine, Not a Camera: How Financial Models Shape Markets)Science-Martis timely and important in a sense that goes beyond a specialist contribution. Mirowski's wide-ranging research addresses a dazzling array of topics, which he situates historically and fuses into a compelling critique that will fascinate any reader concerned with the economic and social dimensions of modern science and technology. (Theodore M. Porter, author ofKarl Pearson: The Scientific Life in a Statistical Age)An important and intensely provocative book that explores fundamental questions about the political economy of science.Science-Martchallenges us to think more critically, more synthetically and more deeply about the growing commercialization of academic science by exploring the historical and ideological roots of that trend...Mirowski debunks the popular view that there is a linear, lockstep path leading from science and technology to economic growth, a claim that served as the mantra of those urging passage of the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980...Mirowski has shown that a political economist can bring significant new insights to the discussion of academic marketphilia. (Sheldon KrimskyAmerican Scientist2011-07-01)Historian and economist Mirowski presents a thoroughly researched and sure-to-be-controversial view of the economic and political influences on science policy in post-WW II America. The author traces the commoditization of science in the US--a shift from the Cold War funding by government and military entities to the present dominance of funding by for-profit corporations--making modern American science just another product in the mammoth economy. (T. TimmonsChoice2011-08-01)