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Questions and Answers
What is the ethos of science according to Robert K. Merton?
What is the ethos of science according to Robert K. Merton?
- A complex of values and norms that guide scientific behavior (correct)
- A set of institutional values that are internalized by scientists
- A moral consensus among scientists
- A set of codified rules for scientists
What do the norms of science, as described by Merton, represent?
What do the norms of science, as described by Merton, represent?
- What scientists think is good for them to do
- What scientists think is morally right
- What scientists believe they ought to do (correct)
- What scientists normally do
How do scientists learn about the norms of science?
How do scientists learn about the norms of science?
- By observing and imitating other scientists (correct)
- Through formal education and training
- Through moral consensus among scientists
- Through a written rule book
What triggers discussions about the norms of science?
What triggers discussions about the norms of science?
What is the role of sanctions in the norms of science?
What is the role of sanctions in the norms of science?
What is the relationship between the norms of science and institutional values?
What is the relationship between the norms of science and institutional values?
What is the term used to describe the internalized norms of science?
What is the term used to describe the internalized norms of science?
What is the purpose of the ethos of science?
What is the purpose of the ethos of science?
What is the main concern of Merton as a sociologist?
What is the main concern of Merton as a sociologist?
What is the purpose of the norms identified by Merton?
What is the purpose of the norms identified by Merton?
What is the focus of the scientific norm 'Universalism'?
What is the focus of the scientific norm 'Universalism'?
What is the common project that defines the tribe of science?
What is the common project that defines the tribe of science?
What is the significance of Merton's norms in scientific research?
What is the significance of Merton's norms in scientific research?
What is the relationship between universalism and the scientific community?
What is the relationship between universalism and the scientific community?
Why does the author delay discussing objections to the norms?
Why does the author delay discussing objections to the norms?
What is the purpose of the follow-up post mentioned by the author?
What is the purpose of the follow-up post mentioned by the author?
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Study Notes
The Ethos of Science
- The ethos of science is a complex of values and norms that guide scientists' behavior and are considered binding on them.
Merton's Description of the Ethos
- The ethos is comprised of prescriptions, proscriptions, preferences, and permissions that are legitimized by institutional values.
- These norms are transmitted through precept, example, and sanctions, and are internalized by scientists to form their scientific conscience or superego.
The Norms of Science
- The norms are statements of what scientists believe they ought to do, are allowed to do, and what it would be good for them to do.
- They are not necessarily what scientists normally do, but rather what they think they should do.
How Norms are Learned
- Scientists learn the norms by observing what behaviors are rewarded and punished in their community.
- Norms are often discussed when they are violated or when the scientific community's reputation is attacked.
The Four Norms of Science Identified by Merton
Universalism
- The idea that the content of claims about the world is what matters, not the characteristics of the people making the claims.
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