Forestry and conservation : towards a sociology of expertise

Abstract

This thesis attempts to develop a sociological approach to the examination of expertise . The case of the forestry discipline is studied in the light of the approach outlined. The framework used builds on the work of T.S. Kuhn, but adopts modifications to his thesis . It is argued that none of the conventional distinctions between science and technology hold, so Kuhn's theory reformulated in the manner suggested should apply to all experts , Kuhn 's theory tends to exclude considerations of resources, power and status and a dialectical relationship is posited between organized knowledge and these 'external ' variables. In the forestry discipline ~ 'traditional ' and 'conservation' paradigms are identified from literature sources and through a study of forestry students . A number of external factors potentially influential to forestry are discussed. In the light of this study, some directions for a critical sociology of expertise are outlined.