Hubert Knoblauch: Empirical Theory of Science – A Research Program. [Abstract]

“Empirical theory of science” (EToS) is a research program which draws on the philosophy of science (or “theory of science” in its German translation) and on the empirical studies of science as conducted in the social sciences (“Science Studies,” “Science and Technology Studies”). Since both approaches seem to have not been integrated, the paper sketches the concept of social knowledge within communicative constructivism, which provides the background for EToS. Because the author is located in the social sciences, the paper focuses on issues in the philosophy of the social sciences from the perspective of the sociology of knowledge. While we need to leave out some topics such as “value-freedom” or “objectivity,” which have been debated already since the times of classical sociology, the problem of relativism will then be discussed, which has moved to the center of interest by the recent rise of new realism, anti-constructivist, and anti-scientific positions. Linked to these debates, the paper will turn to the issue of the “demarcation of science” or its “independence.” Then two examples of EToS will be presented that result from reflexive empirical studies of science: Social Theorizing and Reflexive Methodology. By way of conclusion, the paper contextualizes the relevance of EToS for doing science now and in the future.

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