1. Gomm argued that scientists’ work should be viewed in its Social Context…
Roger Gomm (1982) argued that the theories scientists produce are in part a product of their social context (the situation they’re in at the time), and that scientists tend to try and prove rather than falsify their theories.
Gomm gave the example of Darwin and his theory of evolution to explain this.
Gomm suggests Darwin’s theories of natural selection and the competitive struggle for the survival of the fittest were not supported by all of the evidence.
Darwin therefore missed the opportunity to ‘falsify’ aspects of his theories. Gomm suggests the reason for this was ideological rather than scientific.
Gomm argued that the ‘survival of the fittest theory’ slotted neatly into the Victorian capitalist ideology of free market economics, individualism, and the minimalist approach to welfare of the time. Gomm therefore emphasised the importance of placing ‘science’ in its social context. Scientific knowledge can be seen, at least in part, as socially constructed.
Kuhn challenged the idea that science is objective…
Thomas Kuhn (1962) introduced the idea that scientists, at certain times in history, work in a paradigm.
A paradigm, according to Kuhn, refers to the framework of accepted ideas in which scientists operate. It might include ideas on truth, validity and methodology.
Kuhn argued that scientists will tend to work within the paradigm and so seek evidence which supports it. This will continue until anomalies are so strong as to trigger a paradigm shift or scientific revolution.
When this happens, a new ‘normal science paradigm’ is established and the process begins again.
“I’ll be happy to give you innovative thinking. What are the guidelines?”
According to Dawkins, what distinguishes science from religion?
What are the three factors which make up a system of belief, according to Polanyi?
What is the difference between an inductive and a deductive scientific approach?
What is meant by falsification? 18