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Soviet Sociology of Science. By Linda L. Lubrano. Columbus, Ohio: American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies, 1976. vi, 102 pp. Paper.

This slim volume, appearing under the auspices of the AAASS, fills a gap with its survey of Soviet writings on naukovedenie (the science of science) and in somewhat more detail on Soviet sociology of science. The latter is defined as part of the study although occasionally the science of science and sociology of science seem to be synonymous. Linda Lubrano has read very widely in the field and provides a clear account. This is essentially a work of reportage rather than of criticism. Lubrano rather cautiously interposes her own opinions—which always express good sense—from time to time. Although the author claims that "the Marxian paradigm provides a philosophical perspective for a wide variety of subjects and opinions" (p. 7), the majority of writers cited apparently hold views that are fairly near to each other, despite distinctions of approach and emphasis. Dissenters such as Sakharov are out on a limb. The skewed distribution allows one to suppose that published material does not reflect accurately the spectrum of views actually held: works which receive the imprimatur have followed the official line. Presumably for this reason, a few rather incontrovertible propositions are offered: for example, that "greater efficiency in the organization of science will raise its productivity" (p. 69). This kind of obviousness helps to explain why the research carried out by Soviet scholars within their politically predetermined frame of reference helps to organize, rather than stimulate, thinking about the subject. The selected bibliography includes Mikulinskii both under his last name and under Chlen-Korrespondent Akademii Nauk SSSR; and such titles as Rostov State University and Ural State University are Americanizations of the Russian originals. Altogether, this volume provides a good description of a burgeoning activity, the results of which will help to shape Soviet scientific efforts.