Science (What is it, what does it mean)

Author: John Ziman, translated by Zeng Guoping and others
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-12-01
Features: Science is transitioning from idealized academic science to real post-academic science. Both scientists and anti-scientists need a tangible image of science. Who provides the funding, who listens to. Is this the truth of science? Is science still trustworthy? Is science merely a belief system similar to religion? The True Science takes a naturalistic perspective from the viewpoint of a science and technology studies scholar who once conducted cutting-edge research in science, systematically dismantling the Merton norms of "academic science." The traditional research model of academic science is not just a "method"; it is also a unique culture where members openly share their discoveries to gain reputation and positions. Established practices such as peer review strictly control the fierce competition for credibility. The highly specialized international scientific community composed of independent experts has been producing what we call "scientific"—systematic, theoretical, quantitative, experimentally verified, etc.—knowledge. Ziman demonstrates that the familiar "philosophical" characteristics of scientific knowledge are inextricably linked with everyday cognitive abilities and the peculiar social relationships between scientific knowledge producers. Ziman provides a broad-angle perspective on both natural and human sciences, acknowledging their unique values while revealing the inherent limitations of their rationality, credibility, and universality. He also proves that the new "post-academic" research culture, which emphasizes teamwork and performance evaluation, is philosophically changing, for better or worse, those once considered eternal scientific characteristics. The model of knowledge production is shifting, and a quiet revolution is underway.