SOCIOL 1A06 Chapter 17: Chapter 17.docx

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOCIOL 1A06
• Professor: Tina Fetner

Document Summary

Sociologists of science look at the interactions between science and society. A paradigm is the framework within which scientists operate. There are particular paradigms for particular branches of scientific research. According to thomas kuhn, normal science is the science conducted within an existing paradigm. During the practice of normal science, discoveries may be made that add to or clarify, but don"t challenge, the existing paradigm. Thomas kuhn theorizes that scientific revolutions, also called paradigm shifts, occur when enough anomalies accrue during the practice of normal science to challenge the existing paradigm. Normative science is the notion that science is unaffected by the personal beliefs or values of scientists but rather follows objective rules of evidence. In practice, however, social factors such as funding availability, government policies (which in turn can be affected by interest groups), and international pressure or competition can affect choices about what scientific research is pursued.