Possible Relationships Between the History and Sociology of Science.

This article focuses on the possible relationships between the history and sociology of science. Philosophy of science without history of science is empty; history of science without philosophy of science is blind. The history of science has passed through a number of changes in emphasis, beginning with litanies of scientific heroes, an associated quest for heroic precursors, and a moralistic spirit of scientific humanism. In the institutional perspective attention centers on the interaction and mutual influence of social organization and cognitive structures; the social processes of scientific innovation; and the emergence, growth, and development of scientific specialties. Interactional studies are more concerned with the social activity of science as a communication system. They focus on research organization and productivity, systems of reward and evaluation, patterns of communication, and the norms and values of science. Still other prominent research areas involve relationships between scientific institutions and the larger society; factors influencing the popularization of scientific knowledge; and, most recently, historical and sociological prosopography.