Historians and sociologists chart the consequences of the expansion of knowledge; philosophers of science examine the causes. This book bridges the gap. The focus is on 'academisation' -- the paradox whereby, as the general public becomes better educated to live and work with knowledge, the 'academy' increases its intellectual distance from the public, so that the nature of social and natural reality becomes more rather than less obscure.

This series examines the history, aims, techniques and limitations of social research, providing guidelines on how to assess what affects our daily lives. Revised to take account of developments in research methodology and applications, this edition includes a chapter on designing research.