The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge (SSK) is a field of study that examines the social processes and contexts that influence the production, dissemination, and validation of scientific knowledge. It emerged in the mid-20th century, influenced by the work of sociologists and philosophers who were interested in understanding how social factors shape scientific practices, theories, and the acceptance of scientific knowledge.
"Scientific folklore" is a term that typically refers to the informal body of knowledge, beliefs, anecdotes, and traditions that emerge within scientific communities, often outside of formal education or peer-reviewed literature. This can include myths, urban legends, and common misconceptions that scientists or those interested in science may share. Some characteristics of scientific folklore include: 1. **Anecdotal Evidence**: Stories or personal experiences that convey ideas about scientific principles or practices, but may lack rigorous scientific backing.
Sociologists of science study the social processes and contexts that influence the development and practice of scientific knowledge. This interdisciplinary field examines how social factors—such as cultural norms, institutional frameworks, politics, and economic conditions—affect scientific inquiry and the acceptance of scientific findings. Key areas of focus include: 1. **Social Construction of Scientific Knowledge**: This perspective explores how social interactions and societal influences shape scientific facts and theories.
"Beamtimes and Lifetimes" is a book by the physicist and author David E. Y. A. Yocum. The book provides an insightful look into the world of particle physics, particularly focusing on the operations and strategies of particle accelerators, as well as the experiences of scientists working within that field.
Camille Noûs is a term used to refer to a specific candidate for a fictional or theoretical concept in the realm of cognitive science, philosophy, or artificial intelligence. It is often used in discussions about consciousness, self-awareness, and the nature of identity. The name itself is a play on the French phrase "nous," which means "we" or "us," suggesting a collective or shared aspect of identity.
"Far-Fetched Facts" typically refers to information or anecdotes that may seem exaggerated, implausible, or unlikely to be true. These facts can sometimes be humorous or bizarre, and they often play with the boundaries of credibility, making them intriguing to readers or listeners. They might be found in trivia books, articles, or social media posts, often used for entertainment purposes.
The Grievance Studies affair, also known as the Sokal Squared hoax, refers to a controversial academic project undertaken by three scholars: Peter Boghossian, James Lindsay, and Helen Pluckrose. In 2017, they aimed to expose what they viewed as a lack of rigor in certain fields of the humanities and social sciences, particularly those related to identity politics, gender studies, and cultural studies.
Informal mathematics refers to the use of mathematical concepts and techniques in everyday situations and contexts outside of formal academic settings. It encompasses a variety of mathematical thinking and reasoning that occurs in non-traditional settings, such as in conversations, practical problem-solving, or intuitive reasoning. Informal mathematics often involves: 1. **Intuitive Understanding**: Individuals may use basic mathematical ideas without formal training, relying on intuition and experience rather than abstract concepts.
Knowledge production modes refer to the various ways in which knowledge is generated, created, and disseminated across different fields and contexts. These modes can vary significantly based on disciplinary practices, cultural contexts, and institutional frameworks. Here are some commonly recognized modes of knowledge production: 1. **Academic Research**: This mode typically involves systematic investigation within academic institutions, employing methods such as experiments, surveys, and literature reviews. It emphasizes peer-reviewed publications and contributions to the existing body of knowledge.
"Laboratory Life" is a well-known book written by sociologists Barry Barnes and David Bloor, first published in 1976. It is a foundational text in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). The book explores the social processes underlying scientific practice, particularly focusing on how scientific knowledge is constructed within laboratory settings. Barnes and Bloor investigate the interactions among scientists, the tools and instruments used in laboratories, and the institutional contexts that shape scientific research.
Logology is the study of words and their meanings, particularly focusing on the relationships between words and how they can be constructed or deconstructed. It encompasses various aspects, including semantics (the study of meaning), morphology (the study of word structure), and etymology (the study of the origin and history of words). In a broader sense, logology can also pertain to the analysis of language patterns, linguistic creativity, and the cognitive processes involved in understanding and generating language.
Mathematical folklore refers to knowledge, ideas, techniques, or anecdotes in the field of mathematics that are widely shared and passed among mathematicians but are not formally published in academic literature. This can include informal proofs, heuristic methods, combinatorial tricks, or even amusing stories and conjectures that may not have rigorous backing but are well-known and accepted within the mathematical community.
The Matilda Effect is a phenomenon in which the contributions of women in scientific fields and other areas of achievement are often overlooked, downplayed, or ignored. The term was coined by feminist science historian Margaret W. Rossiter in 1993, drawing on the example of Matilda Joslyn Gage, a 19th-century feminist and suffragist who was largely forgotten despite her significant contributions to social movements and science.
Minerva is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by Springer. It focuses on the field of science, technology, and medicine, particularly in areas related to the social sciences and health care. The journal aims to foster interdisciplinary research and discussion on topics ranging from public health, health policy, and social determinants of health to the broader implications of technological advancements in society.
The Ortega hypothesis, proposed by Spanish biologist José Ortega y Gasset, is a theory related to the concept of genetic load in populations. However, it is important to note that José Ortega y Gasset is primarily known for his philosophical and cultural contributions rather than specific biological theories. The term "Ortega hypothesis" may also be associated with a concept that describes how the genetic diversity of a population can be affected by factors like population size, environmental pressures, and reproductive strategies.
The concept of the "Politics of Nature" generally refers to the ways in which political processes, ideologies, and actions intersect with environmental issues and the natural world. It emphasizes the complex relationships between human societies and the environment, exploring how power dynamics, governance, and policies affect ecological systems and vice versa.
"Science in Action" is a book by sociologist and philosopher of science Bruno Latour, published in 1987. The book explores the processes by which scientific knowledge is constructed and disseminated, emphasizing the social, cultural, and political dimensions of science. Latour challenges traditional views of science as a straightforward accumulation of facts, instead arguing that scientific knowledge is produced through complex interactions within various networks, including laboratories, institutions, and the broader society.
The Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) is a theory within the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) that emphasizes the role of social factors in shaping technological development and use. This perspective posits that technology is not an independent force that shapes society, but rather that its development is influenced by social groups, cultural norms, economic interests, power dynamics, and political contexts.
The Sokal Affair was a prominent intellectual controversy that took place in the mid-1990s. It involved physicist Alan Sokal, who submitted a deliberately nonsensical article to a cultural studies journal, *Social Text*, to test the boundaries of what is considered acceptable scholarship in certain areas of the humanities.
"Standing on the shoulders of giants" is a metaphor that suggests that one can achieve greater understanding or knowledge by building upon the work and discoveries of those who came before. The phrase implies that the progress in knowledge, science, art, and other fields is cumulative, relying on the insights and achievements of previous thinkers, researchers, and innovators. The phrase is often attributed to Sir Isaac Newton, who used it in a letter to his colleague Robert Hooke in 1676.
Stigler's Law of Eponymy is a principle in the philosophy of science, named after the statistician Stephen Stigler. It states that no scientific discovery is named after its original discoverer. Instead, discoveries are often attributed to individuals who were not the first to make them, or who popularized the findings, rather than those who first conceived of them.
The "Strong Programme" is a theoretical framework in the sociology of knowledge that was developed by a group of sociologists primarily in the 1970s. It is most closely associated with the work of David Bloor and other members of the Edinburgh School, who sought to analyze the relationship between scientific knowledge and social context.
Technological determinism is a theory that suggests that technology is the principal driving force behind societal development and change. It posits that advancements in technology shape social structures, cultural norms, and human behavior, often in ways that are seen as inevitable or predetermined. In other words, the development and adoption of technology are thought to influence the trajectory of society and human life more than any other factors, such as politics, economics, or culture.
"Ways of Being" typically refers to the various modes or approaches through which individuals or groups experience existence, perceive the world, and engage with their surroundings. The term can encompass a range of philosophical, psychological, and cultural interpretations. In philosophical discourse, it might relate to existential themes, exploring how different philosophies or cultures define and understand existence. This could include discussions on materialism, spirituality, social interactions, and consciousness.
"We Have Never Been Modern" is a philosophical work written by the French sociologist and anthropologist Bruno Latour, published in 1991. In this book, Latour explores the concepts of modernity and the distinctions between nature and society, arguing that the traditional notions of modernity are fundamentally flawed. He critiques the Enlightenment's assumptions about the separation of the natural and social worlds, suggesting that modernity has never been a true separation of these realms.
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