A Reconstruction of the Ethos of Science

Bibliographic Data

ID2404572
AuthorsRagnvald Kalleberg (University of Oslo, corresponding author)
Year2007
Volume7
Issue2
Pages137-160
Publication date2007-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Classical Sociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1468-795X • E-ISSN: 1741-2897
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1468795x07078033
OpenAlexW2161202025
LanguageEN
Citations received22
References cited52

Merton's early analysis of the ethos of science has gained increased relevance because recent developments - such as commercialization of research - have undermined basic norms, like impartiality. It is desirable to uphold the institutional realism in Merton's sociology of science in order to grasp contemporary challenges. But central elements in his analytical approach have also to be revised or rejected, especially his nomological conception of explanations, non-cognitivism in normative issues, and failure adequately to conceptualize Homo sociologicus as a reasoner. Reasoners present and discuss cognitive claims, related both to descriptive and normative validity. Merton's analysis of an ethos of science should be evaluated as a reconstructive type of empirical analysis where the goal is insight and adequate identification of phenomena. Several critics denying the existence of Mertonian norms tacitly presuppose the validity of the norms, thereby entangling themselves in self-defeating contradictions. As an unintended consequence, these critics confirm the existence of a fundamental ethos of science

Epistemology · Ethos · Normative · Philosophy of science · Political science · Realism · Sociology · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Law · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Pragmatism in Philosophy and Education

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