Sociology of Science

by Merton, Robert K.

• ISBN13: 9780226520926
• ISBN10: 0226520927
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1979-09-15
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

"The exploration of the social conditions that facilitate or retard the search for scientific knowledge has been the major theme of Robert K. Merton's work for forty years. This collection of papers [is] a fascinating overview of this sustained inquiry. . . . There are very few other books in sociology . . . with such meticulous scholarship, or so elegant a style. This collection of papers is, and is likely to remain for a long time, one of the most important books in sociology."--Joseph Ben-David, New York Times Book Review "The novelty of the approach, the erudition and elegance, and the unusual breadth of vision make this volume one of the most important contributions to sociology in general and to the sociology of science in particular. . . . Merton's Sociology of Science is a magisterial summary of the field."--Yehuda Elkana, American Journal of Sociology "Merton's work provides a rich feast for any scientist concerned for a genuine understanding of his own professional self. And Merton's industry, integrity, and humility are permanent witnesses to that ethos which he has done so much to define and support."--J. R. Ravetz, American Scientist "The essays not only exhibit a diverse and penetrating analysis and a deal of historical and contemporary examples, with concrete numerical data, but also make genuinely good reading because of the wit, the liveliness and the rich learning with which Merton writes."--Philip Morrison, Scientific American "Merton's impact on sociology as a whole has been large, and his impact on the sociology of science has been so momentous that the title of the book is apt, because Merton's writings represent modern sociology of science more than any other single writer."--Richard McClintock, Contemporary Sociology

Author Biography

Robert K. Merton is University Professor at Columbia University. His books include the classic Social Theory and Social Structure, On the Shoulders of Giants, and Sociological Ambivalence. He is the coeditor of Genesis and Development of a Scientific Fact, published by the University of Chicago Press.

Table of Contents

Author's Preface

Introduction

The Sociology of Knowledge

Prefatory Note

Paradigm for the Sociology of Knowledge

Znaniecki's Social Role of the Man of Knowledge

Social Conflict over Styles of Sociological Work

Technical and Moral Dimensions of Policy Research

The Perspectives of Insiders and Outsiders

The Sociology of Scientific KnowledgePrefatory Note

Sorokin's Formulations in the Sociology of Science

Social and Cultural Contexts of Science

Changing Foci of Interest in the Sciences and Technology

Interactions of Science and Military Technique

The Neglect of the Sociology of Science

The Normative Structure of SciencePrefatory Note

The Puritan Spur to Science

Science and the Social Order

The Normative Structure of Science

The Reward System of SciencePrefatory Note

Priorities in Scientific Discovery

Behavior Patterns of Scientists

Singletons and Multiples in Science

Multiple Discoveries as Strategic Research Site

The Ambivalence of Scientists

The Processes of Evaluation in SciencePrefatory Note

Recognition and Excellence: Instructive Ambiguities

The Matthew Effect in Science

Institutionalized Patterns of Evaluation in Science

Age, Aging, and Age Structure in Science

Bibliography

Index of Names

Index of Subjects

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.