Sociology of scientific knowledge

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== Sociology of Scientific Knowledge ==

The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge (SSK) is a field within the sociology of science that studies the social processes involved in the production of scientific knowledge. It examines how social factors such as cultural norms, power dynamics, and historical context influence scientific research and the acceptance of scientific theories.

Historical Development

The field of SSK emerged in the 1970s as a response to the Mertonian norms of science, which emphasized the objectivity and autonomy of scientific knowledge. Key figures in the development of SSK include David Bloor, Barry Barnes, and Harry Collins. These scholars argued that scientific knowledge is not purely objective but is shaped by social factors.

Key Concepts

• Strong Programme: A central concept in SSK, the Strong Programme, was developed by David Bloor. It posits that both true and false scientific beliefs should be explained in the same way, through social factors.
• Actor-Network Theory: Developed by Bruno Latour and Michel Callon, this theory examines the networks of relationships between human and non-human actors in the production of scientific knowledge.
• Social Construction of Technology: This concept explores how social, political, and economic factors influence technological development and scientific research.

Methodologies

SSK employs various methodologies to study the social aspects of scientific knowledge, including:

• Ethnography: In-depth, qualitative studies of scientific communities and practices.
• Historical Analysis: Examining historical case studies to understand how scientific knowledge has been shaped by social factors.
• Discourse Analysis: Analyzing scientific texts and communications to uncover underlying social influences.

Criticisms

The field of SSK has faced criticism from various quarters. Some argue that it undermines the objectivity of science by overemphasizing social factors. Others believe that it fails to account for the material and empirical aspects of scientific research.

Related Fields

• Sociology of Science
• Philosophy of Science
• Science and Technology Studies
• History of Science

See Also

• David Bloor
• Barry Barnes
• Harry Collins
• Bruno Latour
• Michel Callon
• Strong Programme
• Actor-Network Theory
• Social Construction of Technology
• Mertonian norms