This book reformulates the sociological subdiscipline known as the sociology of knowledge. Knowledge is presented as more than ideology, including as well false consciousness, propaganda, science and art.

In this book Bruno Latour brings together these different approaches to provide a lively and challenging analysis of science, demonstrating how social context..

Knowledge increasingly has become a vital resource. Within our communities, institutions, and organizations, practical insights are needed for optimizing its use. Knowledge management needs to become an object of study. This article deals with two issues. First, using both knowledge systems concepts and tools, and insights gained from comparative research, it explores the vital qualities of agricultural knowledge systems. These qualities, like the multiplicity and relative autonomy of the actors, the level of integration reached through linkage mechanisms, and the coordination (...) needed to overcome default situations, might provide leverage points for effective knowledge management. Second, it probes into a more specific definition of the tasks and areas of attention of the knowledge manager. Knowledge management can focus on various levels of a system (e.g., the individual, organizational, or system level) and can make use of a variety of instruments and skills. (shrink)

Studying knowledge utilization and related processes calls for a conceptual framework. We look at the actors that engage in these processes in a specific field of human activity, and the interfaces and linkages between them, as a Knowledge and Information System (KIS). Although this KIS perspective originates from agriculture it also can be applied to other knowledge domains. Evidence gathered shows that for a KIS to be effective the actors (e.g., researchers, extensionalists, and clients) must act synergically. This inspired us (...) to look for basic KIS principles that indicate opportunities for intervention. This article provides a brief state-of-the-art overview, presents some insights gained to date; and states the main issues for the use of information technology in knowledge management. (shrink)