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Questions and Answers
What is sociology primarily concerned with studying?
Which of the following best describes the term 'reflexivity perspective' in sociology?
What major claim does sociology make regarding its relationship with science?
Who was the first thinker to apply sociology to the study of science?
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What is a common subject matter of sociology?
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How does sociology differentiate itself from other sciences?
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What aspect of society does sociology particularly aim to explain?
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Which of the following describes the relationship between sociology and technology?
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What does the norm of communalism in the sociology of science imply?
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Which norm refers to the idea that a scientist’s personal characteristics are irrelevant to their theories?
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What acronym is used to collectively refer to the four norms identified by Merton?
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What is indicated by the term 'self-fulfilling prophecy' in sociology?
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What effect did Kuhn's 'Structure' have on the philosophy and sociology of science?
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Which of the following is a potential problem with the concept of 'truth' in scientific beliefs?
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What did Merton suggest about the ownership of scientific ideas?
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What was one possible outcome of the sociology of science after the initial excitement of its establishment?
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What condition did Nancy have that allowed her to possess both male and female reproductive organs?
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What terminated Nancy's aspirations to compete in the Olympics?
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In which university did Nancy pursue a degree in Criminology?
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What was a significant societal issue reflected in Nancy's media coverage?
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What type of culture does the community in UST aim to promote?
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What was the motto of Boyle's social group dedicated to science?
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What major terms are included in the theory focusing on science as competing language games?
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What did Boyle attempt to do to settle the question about the existence of a 'vacuum'?
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How does Shapin and Schaffer interpret Boyle's air pump in the context of facts?
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What does 'latent functions' refer to in the context of social systems?
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In what way did Boyle's approach influence the scientific community?
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What does the term 'equilibrium' signify in societal contexts?
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What is a clear example of a manifest function in education?
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What does Merton's theory primarily address?
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Which statement most accurately represents the viewpoint of the 'new school' of sociology of science?
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What does the concept of incommensurability refer to in this context?
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Which aspect is NOT one of the four key parts of the strong program as identified by David Bloor?
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What does the principle of symmetry imply in the strong program?
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In the context of reflexivity, what is said about scientific belief explanations?
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What is a characteristic of the 'strong program' in sociology of science?
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What do proponents of the old school criticize about the new school?
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Study Notes
Sociology as a Science
- Sociology explores human social structures and activities using empirical methods.
- It examines various domains like religion, mass media, education, and crime.
- Some argue about the legitimacy of social sciences, questioning if they can be classified as true sciences.
Science, Technology, and Society
- Troubling views suggest that sociology could emerge as 'the science of science,' potentially surpassing other disciplines like physics.
- A reflexivity perspective indicates sociology should analyze its own claims and methodologies.
Robert Merton and the Norms of Science
- Merton was a key thinker in applying sociology to the study of science and its history.
- He coined important terms like 'self-fulfilling prophecy' and 'role model.'
- Identified four foundational norms for scientific communities: communalism, universalism, disinterestedness, and organized skepticism (collectively termed "CUDOS").
Problems with 'Truth' in Science
- The Symmetry Principle suggests that appeals to 'truth' are inconsistent in explaining beliefs.
- Merton's approach, seen as traditional, did not account for why scientists believe in particular scientific claims.
The Strong Program in Sociology of Science
- David Bloor's 'strong program' emphasizes a comprehensive investigation of scientific knowledge based on social contexts.
- Key components include causality, impartiality, symmetry, and reflexivity.
- The strong program critiques previous sociological approaches for failing to consider the social dynamics influencing scientific beliefs.
The Royal Society and Scientific Community
- The Royal Society emerged from debates surrounding scientific inquiry and established the principle 'Nullius in verba' ("on the word of no one").
- Its purpose was to promote collaborative inquiry and consensus in scientific endeavors.
Competing Language Games in Science
- Historical debates, such as whether a vacuum exists, illustrate how scientists redefine questions to facilitate empirical inquiry.
- Boyle reframed the central question regarding vacuums to enable testing through experimental apparatus.
Manufacturing Facts
- Shapin and Schaffer assert that scientific outcomes can be viewed as 'manufactured facts,' achieved through established methods rather than data falsification.
- Examples highlight how societal context and shared understanding contribute to scientific claims.
Role of Science and Social Context
- Science plays a role in maintaining societal structures, reflecting historical prejudices, as evident in practices like craniometry.
- Case studies illustrate the intersection of personal identity, media portrayal, and societal expectations in scientific narratives.
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Description
Test your understanding of sociology and its claims as a science. This quiz explores key concepts and the philosophical perspectives that influence the study of sociology. Challenge your knowledge and engage with sociological theories and principles.
