Atoms, Bytes and Genes

This book traces historical debates over developments in nuclear power, computing and genetic engineering which raised controversy with consequences, and argues that public opinion is a factor of the development of modern techno-science. Bauer uses a "pain analogy" to show that just as pain impacts movement, resistance impacts techno-scientific mobilization: it signals that something is wrong, and this requires attention, elaboration and a response to the challenge. This analysis explores how different fields of enquiry deal with the resistance of social-psychological mentalities in the face of industrial, scientific and political activities inspired by projected futures.