Knowledge Communities in Europe : Exchange, Integration and Its Limits

This volume attempts to explore and combine two fresh perspectives on the relation
of science and politics: From the perspective of philosophy, history, and sociology
of science, it seems worth investigating how scientific and other knowledge com-
munities interact with their wider social and political surroundings, both in a
national and an international context. From the perspective of political science, it
appears fruitful to ask how existing inter- or transnational communities contribute
to the strengthening of transnational ties, and to facilitate political cooperation and
integration. Bringing together these two perspectives, we ask: How are knowledge
communities in science and other fields formed, how do they function, and how
do they interact with their wider environment?