Abstract
In the space of a few short years the centre of interest in the sociology of sciences has radically shifted. At first timidly, later with increasing boldness, sociologists have penetrated the sanctuary. They no longer confine their interest to a study of how institutions work, or the rules governing competition, or network or community organisation. Increasingly, they are investigating the content of science itself.
This research was financed by CORDES.
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References
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The classic distinction between scientific research and scientific knowledge as admitted by authors as different as K. R. Popper, The Logic of Scientific Discovery, Hutchinson, London, 1959; and G. Holton, Thematic Origins of Scientific Thought, Kepler to Einstein, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1973, is the vitable result of atheoretical choice of this type.
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CNRS: National Centre for Scientific Research, the largest public research body in France with more than 7,000 researchers with special status, working in laboratories. The CNRS covers all scientific disciplines, being particularly orientated towards fundamental research.
DGRST: General Delegation to Scientific and Technical Research, formed in 1958, whose mission is to coordinate research carried out by the different public bodies and to support lines given priority. At the time we are investigating the DGRST wielded great influence within the administration.
DRME: Direction of Research and Testing Resources, charged with coordination of Research financed by the Army Ministry.
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We need only note here that established facts of quantum mechanics are ignored. The knowledge and facts used are those dating from the beginning of the century. The most striking feature is their wide diversity. They belong to the realms of physics, chemistry and thermodynamics.
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I owe the concept of translation to M. Serres, Hermes 111, La traduction, Paris, Editions de Minuit, 1974.
An analysis of translation mechanisms needs to be developed. We simply state that it is linked to the construction of problematic situations themselves. A problematic situation de-contextualises concepts, proposals and categories, and then re-con-textualises them using its own logic. Thus problematic situations permanently create metaphors. The latter’s existence make translation possible (for ‘metaphorisation’ see R. Krohn, ‘The Social Process of Scientific Investigation’, unpublished paper, McGill University, 1978 ).
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Callon, M. (1980). Struggles and Negotiations to Define What is Problematic and What is Not. In: Knorr, K.D., Krohn, R., Whitley, R. (eds) The Social Process of Scientific Investigation. Sociology of the Sciences A Yearbook, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9109-5_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9109-5_8
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