ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I follow the development of scepticism towards the sociology of science. The sociology of science emerged from the post-positivist and anti-positivist movement, as well as the communicative turn after World War II. Furthermore, it was inspired by pragmatism. The sociology of science sees science as an integrated part of society, a part that is influenced by social interests, and its activity and focus are a result of how it is organised.
In the first part of this chapter, The practical turn, I discuss how sociological perspectives have influenced the modern conception of science. The sociological perspectives have developed both from realism and from idealism, and have formed part of two main discussions: one on epistemology about what we can know for certain, and one on social evolution that concerns the implications of the fact that social and historical change influence how we see the world.
In the second part of this chapter, Inside the whale, I trace the roots of modern relativism in Hegelian philosophy. I discuss in depth two positions: critical theory and post-structuralism. In the third part of the chapter, Sociology of science, I discuss two conceptions of science that have been primarily inspired by a materialist perspective, the sociology of scientific knowledge (SSK) and science, technology, and society studies (STS). I ask whether science is characterised by incommensurable paradigms.
Scepticism portrays science as a complex and even contradictory social practice. Can this pluralism exist in a peaceful exchange of opinions or will there be endless conflict? More seriously, will the internal divides in science be used in society to undermine scientific thinking? The latter question is the centre of the current post-truth debate. I argue that the main philosophical issue in sociology of science relates to the concept of knowing.
