This unique volume brings together a selection of the most important texts of Nico Stehr for the first time and puts them in dialogue with original research that draws on his prolific work. Covering five decades of pioneering sociological research on the theory of society and knowledge, the book introduces the reader to Stehr's seminal inquiries into the economic, political and social role of knowledge. Original concepts, such as his groundbreaking studies on the Knowledge Society, are introduced as the volume traces Stehr's pursuit of social scientific research as a source of practical knowledge for modern society.The book comprises three parts devoted to the many facets and the remarkable range of Nico Stehr's oeuvre. Part 1 provides an introduction to the significance of his pioneering work and career. Part 2 demonstrates the practical application of Nico Stehr's research as seen through the eyes of eminent scholars. Part 3 presents a selection of the milestones of his publications.

Part I. On Nico Stehr.- Chapter 1. A Short Biography of Nico Stehr.- Chapter 2. Introduction to the Work of Nico Stehr.- Chapter 3. Reflections on Society and Knowledge: An Interview with Nico Stehr.- Chapter 4. Selected Bibliography of Nico Stehr.- Part II. Knowledge, Science, Society: Nico Stehr’s Work in the Perspective of Colleagues.- Chapter 5. The Knowledge Society. Some Remarks on the State of Affairs on the Occasion of Nico Stehr’s 70th Birthday.- Chapter 6. Knowledge Paradigms and Intransigent Intuitions.- Chapter 7. New Forms of Civil Society: The Social Question of the 21st Century.- Chapter 8. The Scientific Ethos: The Case of Climate Change.- Chapter 9. Social Science – A Must for Climate Research.