The Scientific Community and the Pioblems of Institutionalization

Abstract

The “sociology of science” has so far usually considered the “scientific community” to be a “closed system” operating autonomously from its surrounding social environment, and for this reason it has not necessarily provided sufficient understanding of those aspects of scientific activities which bring about undesirable effects on people's lives (i. e., which constitute social problems). The present dissertation attempts, by directing attention back to the sociology of science as elaborated in the early studies of R. K. Merton (who looked at the character of the scientific community in its relationship to society at large), to shed light upon those characteristics of science which constitute social problems.Giving due attention to Merton's historical case studies of 17th century England, two main problems are presented, as follows : (1) ascertaining the “elective affinity” between the attributes of Puritan ethics and modern science by which Merton sought to show the relationship between the scientific community and society at large ; and (2) directing attention to the distinction between the processes by which the scientific community emerges and adapts itself, respectively. A critical examination is given to Merton's interpretive framework and also-to the implications of the “institutionalization” that is seen as basic to the character of the scientific community.From (1) and (2) we may deduce some of the internal dynamics between scientists and non-scientists. A typology is made for different types of scientific activities, and this typology is then used in an attempt to construct a model to elucidate those aspects of science which constitute social problems.