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The Sociology of Science

Theoretical and Empirical Investigations

Edited and with an Introduction by Norman W. Storer
"The exploration of the social conditions that facilitate or retard the search for scientific knowledge has been the major theme of Robert K. Merton’s work for forty years. This collection of papers [is] a fascinating overview of this sustained inquiry. . . . There are very few other books in sociology . . . with such meticulous scholarship, or so elegant a style. This collection of papers is, and is likely to remain for a long time, one of the most important books in sociology."—Joseph Ben-David, New York Times Book Review

"The novelty of the approach, the erudition and elegance, and the unusual breadth of vision make this volume one of the most important contributions to sociology in general and to the sociology of science in particular. . . . Merton’s Sociology of Science is a magisterial summary of the field."—Yehuda Elkana, American Journal of Sociology

"Merton’s work provides a rich feast for any scientist concerned for a genuine understanding of his own professional self. And Merton’s industry, integrity, and humility are permanent witnesses to that ethos which he has done so much to define and support."—J. R. Ravetz, American Scientist

"The essays not only exhibit a diverse and penetrating analysis and a deal of historical and contemporary examples, with concrete numerical data, but also make genuinely good reading because of the wit, the liveliness and the rich learning with which Merton writes."—Philip Morrison, Scientific American

"Merton’s impact on sociology as a whole has been large, and his impact on the sociology of science has been so momentous that the title of the book is apt, because Merton’s writings represent modern sociology of science more than any other single writer."—Richard McClintock, Contemporary Sociology

636 pages | 6 x 9 | © 1979

Sociology: General Sociology

Table of Contents

Author’s Preface
Introduction by Norman W. Storer
1. The Sociology of Knowledge
Prefatory Note
1. Paradigm for the Sociology of Knowledge
2. Znaniecki’s Social Role of the Man of Knowledge
3. Social Conflict over Styles of Sociological Work
4. Technical and Moral Dimensions of Policy Research
5. The Perspectives of Insiders and Outsiders
2. The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge
Prefatory Note
6. Sorokin’s Formulations in the Sociology of Science [with Bernard Barber]
7. Social and Cultural Contexts of Science
8. Changing Foci of Interest in the Sciences and Technology
9. Interactions of Science and Military Technique
10. The Neglect of the Sociology of Science
3. The Normative Structure of Science
Prefatory Note
11. The Puritan Spur to Science
12. Science and the Social Order
13. The Normative Structure of Science
4. The Reward System of Science
Prefatory Note
14. Priorities in Scientific Discovery
15. Behavior Patterns of Scientists
16. Singletons and Multiples in Science
17. Multiple Discoveries as Strategic Research Site
18. The Ambivalence of Scientists
5. The Processes of Evaluation in Science
Prefatory Note
19. Recognition and Excellence: Instructive Ambiguities
20. The Matthew Effect in Science
21. Institutionalized Patterns of Evaluation in Science [with Harriet Zuckerman]
22. Age, Aging, and Age Structure in Science [with Harriet Zuckerman]
Bibliography
Index of Names
Index of Subjects

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