The Social Basis of Scientific Discoveries - Softcover

Brannigan, Augustine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521281636 ISBN 13: 9780521281638

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

What constitutes a scientific discovery? How do discoveries happen and how are they recognised as such? These are questions of central concern to scientists and philosophers. In this book, Augustine Brannigan provides a critical examination of the major theories which have been devised to account for discoveries and innovations in science, and develops a fresh alternative. Dr Brannigan begins by arguing that most theories fall into one of two classes: mentalistic theories, which describe how ideas come into the mind, and cultural theories, which describe how they 'mature' in a particular culture. His account reveals a series of empirical and methodological problems that make these existing models untenable and he proposes as an alternative a sociological approach, which draws attention not to what makes discoveries happen, but to the processes whereby certain achievements are recognised and labelled as discoveries. This approach is illustrated in detail with a number of important scientific cases. The book throws light not only on the conventional character of discoveries but also on the folk elements in popular theories about discovery, such as genius, gestalt switch and simultaneous invention.

About this title

Product Description:

Paperback. Pub Date: 1981 Pages: 220 Publisher: Camidge. University Press What constitutes a Scientific Discovery How do Discoveries happen and how are they Recognised as such These are QUESTIONS of the Central concern to Scientists and philosophers In this book. Augustine annigan. provides a critical examination of the major theories which have been devised to account for discoveries and innovations in science. and develops a fresh alternative. Dr annigan begins by arguing that most theories fall into one of two classes: mentalistic theories. which describe how ideas come into the mind. and cultural theories. which describe how they 'mature' in a particular culture. His account reveals a series of empirical and methodological problems that make these existing models untenable and he proposes as an alternative a sociological approach. which draws attention not to what makes ...

Book Description:

What constitutes a scientific discovery? How do discoveries happen and how are they recognised as such? These are questions of central concern to scientists and philosophers. In this book, Augustine Brannigan provides a critical examination of the major theories which have been devised to account for discoveries and innovations in science, and develops a fresh alternative.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521281636
• ISBN 13: 9780521281638
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 228