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From Smart Bombs to Smart Bugs: Thinking the Unthinkable in Medical Sociology and Beyond

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  • Simon Williams

Abstract

Steve Fuller's article on the events of September 11th raises a number of important questions about the role of sociology in public discussion and debate. This brief response, in taking up this challenge, focuses on the issue of bio-terrorism. In doing so, a balance sheet is provided of the potential threat this poses, drawing both on the history of biological and chemical weapons to date, and the potential epidemics of fear they unleash in the aftermath of September 11th. Medical sociology, it is argued, alongside the sociology of emotions, is particularly well placed to address such issues, including questions of the biological and broader themes of war and health, medicine and the military.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Williams, 2001. "From Smart Bombs to Smart Bugs: Thinking the Unthinkable in Medical Sociology and Beyond," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 6(3), pages 83-88, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:6:y:2001:i:3:p:83-88
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.639
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steve Fuller, 2001. "Looking for Sociology after 11 September," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 6(2), pages 120-124, August.
    2. Steve Fuller, 2001. "Looking for Sociology after 11 September," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 6(3), pages 19-24, November.
    3. Crawford, Robert, 1994. "The boundaries of the self and the unhealthy other: Reflections on health, culture and AIDS," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 38(10), pages 1347-1365, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Joyce Canaan, 2002. "Teaching Social Theory in Trying Times," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 6(4), pages 14-27, February.

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