The Practice of Cooperation between Mathematicians and Sociologists in the USSR during the 1960–1980’s

Abstract

This article describes those interaction between applied sciences (mathematics and information technology) and sociologists in the 1960’s and 1980’s which influenced the subsequent development of Russian sociology. The object of research is scientific articles and other texts (popular science articles, memoirs, interviews) of those participating in past and present interdisciplinary interaction. The main trait of the interdisciplinary cooperation between sociologists and mathematicians is the paradigmatization of sociology as a field of science. Precise sciences played a special role in this process, as they participated in the formation of the language, thematic repertoire and methodological arsenal of sociology. As shown by our analysis, the demand for cooperation was formed by three tasks: of the methodological, instrumental and practical (socio-engineering) variety. The article describes three cases of cooperation. Number one — when it was formed by the organizational and intellectual leadership of mathematicians (Novosibirsk school). Number two — when leadership positions were held by sociologists (Leningrad school). And number three — when “game rules” were set by external agents — the cooperation of sociologists and mathematicians in the name of solving industrial tasks. The typical tasks which scientists collectively solved in each of these three cases were identified and systematized. The article offers conclusions about the significance of this period for the development of sociology. Further development of this topic, in our opinion, lies within giving direction to the analysis of cooperation mechanisms between sociologists and researchers in the field of precise sciences, as well as its institutionalization.