The Golem at Large: What You Should Know about Technology

The Golem at Large: What You Should Know about Technology, the second volume in the Golem series, is a thought-provoking read. The authors, Harry Collins and Trevor Pinch, draw parallels between the Golem from Jewish mythology and science or technology - a powerful creation that can often be dangerous due to its clumsiness and imperfections. The book is segmented into seven chapters, each covering a different case study related to technology. Collins and Pinch use these case studies to illustrate the flaws in technology and how they are related to the uncertainties in science. For example, the authors delve into the role of the Patriot anti-missile missile in the Gulf War, and how its flaws stemmed from uncertainties in the science related to missile technology. They also examine the origins of oil in disputes surrounding their analysis as well as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. This book is an eye-opener for those who approach technology with wariness. It offers an in-depth understanding of the relationship between science and technology and how certain flaws are a natural outcome of scientific uncertainties. This book is a perfect read for anyone interested in technology, science, and their associated controversies.