The lost paradise, the original sin, and the Dodo bird: a scientometrics Sapere Aude manifesto as a reply to the Leiden manifesto on scientometrics

Abstract

Given the recent publication of the Leiden manifesto on scientometrics, we wanted to highlight some key aspects related to the field of scientometrics in order to offer a counterbalanced approach by addressing all the Leiden arguments from a different point of view. Although we agree the scientometric data have sometimes been used in inappropriate ways, we think that the problem lies not with the field, but with the incorrect uses of scientometric information. Thus, some of the arguments stated in the Leiden manifesto seem to be more like a straw man strategy because they are formulated as criticism to science evaluation in general rather than to the specific field of scientometrics.