THE SOCIOLOGY OF SCIENCE:: Theoretical and Empirical Investigations

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Robert K. Merton

• Language: English

• Edition: 2017

• ISBN: 9788131608609

• Pages: 640

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches

About the Book
The exploration of the social conditions that either facilitate or hinder the search for scientific knowledge has been the central theme of Robert K. Merton’s work for over 40 years. This collection of papers provides a captivating overview of Merton’s sustained inquiry into the sociology of science. The essays included in this volume offer an extensive and meticulous examination of the ways in which science operates within a broader social context.

Merton’s influence on sociology, particularly on the sociology of science, is profound. His work is marked by scholarly precision and clarity, earning praise from prominent intellectuals like Joseph Ben-David and Yehuda Elkana. Described as a magisterial summary of the field, Merton’s analysis stands as a crucial contribution to both sociology and the sociology of science.

The essays themselves are not only deeply analytical but also enjoyable to read. Merton’s wit, liveliness, and breadth of learning infuse each page, making complex topics accessible. From the normative structure of science to its reward systems and evaluation processes, Merton’s writing provides essential insights into the professional life of scientists and the factors that influence scientific discovery.

This collection will remain a vital resource for those seeking to understand the social dynamics of scientific knowledge and the foundational work of one of sociology’s most influential thinkers.

Contents

1. The Sociology of Knowledge

2. The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge

3. The Normative Structure of Science

4. The Reward System of Science

5. The Processes of Evaluation in Science

About the Author
Robert K. Merton was Special Service Professor and University Professor Emeritus at Columbia University. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, he received numerous awards and honorary degrees. His influential works include Social Theory and Social Structure, On the Shoulders of Giants, and Sociological Ambivalence. He is widely regarded as the father of the sociology of science. Norman W. Storer, his collaborator, was Professor and Chairman of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Baruch College, City University of New York.