Theses (PH. D.)--University of Chicago. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M. Div.)--Trinity International University, 2008. / Abstract. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-69).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2008. / "Graduate Program in Philosophy." Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-173).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 178-187).

Thesis (M.C.S.)--Regent College, 1999. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-139).

Thesis (B.A.)--Haverford College, Dept. of Philosophy, 2001. / Title from caption. Extracted from Senior essays, Dept. of Philosophy. Includes bibliographical references (p. 63).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 178-187).

Thesis (M.C.S.)--Regent College, 1999. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-139).

No description available.

The aim of this thesis is to develop an innovative theoretical understanding of technological innovation as a social phenomenon and to demonstrate the results of its application to the sector of UK's marine energy technology. Via a creative analysis and critique of various theoretical approaches to technology, I identify several key elements of a theory capable of understanding technological change, which I then develop based on the critical juxtaposition of the approaches of Pierre Bourdieu and Cornelius Castoriadis. Technological innovation is understood as the ultimate outcome of the relations of cooperation and competition formed by radically creative agents, capable of ex-nihilo creation, who participate in private and public institutions of a quasi-regulated technological field. After arguing in favour of applying a primarily subjectivist epistemology with objectivist elements, I present a research methodology based on semi-structured interviews. The results of the data analysis highlight several key features of technological change as it takes place within the technological field of UK's marine energy technology. Firstly, I present the ways the technological field influences the agents therein and helps them develop their craft. Secondly, I explore how the agents of the field use their craft as they create ex-nihilo. Thirdly I show the interactions between the technological field and other social institutions/spaces such as the economic sector and the general public. Subsequently, I analyse the internal organization of the technological field and its impact upon the trajectories that technological innovation follows therein. Finally, I make the first tentative steps towards developing policy advice for the sector. I conclude that, as long as policy makers manage to develop a precise understanding of the technological field of marine energy technology, then they actually can design policy capable of positioning the technological innovations therein within a preferred path.