The Norms of Science

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Questions and Answers

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 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?

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?

Violations of the norms or attacks on the scientific community Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of sanctions in the norms of science?

To enforce the norms of science Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the norms of science and institutional values?

The norms of science are legitimatized by institutional values Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the internalized norms of science?

Scientific conscience Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ethos of science?

To guide scientific behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of Merton as a sociologist?

Understanding science as a social group Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the norms identified by Merton?

To build a body of reliable knowledge about the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the scientific norm 'Universalism'?

The content of claims about the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the common project that defines the tribe of science?

Building a body of reliable knowledge about the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Merton's norms in scientific research?

They are essential to the project of building a body of reliable knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between universalism and the scientific community?

Universalism is a value shared by the scientific community Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author delay discussing objections to the norms?

Because the author wants to focus on scientific anti-norms first Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the follow-up post mentioned by the author?

To explore the values guiding scientists' behavior Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

Explore the fundamental principles guiding the scientific community, as described by Robert K. Merton in 1942. Learn about the values and norms that shape scientific research and practice.