scholarly journals In Search of an Evanescent Object: Science and Its History

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-28
Keyword(s):  
History Of Science ◽  
Empirical Methods ◽  
Logical Positivist ◽  
Current State ◽  
Cultural Processes ◽  
Cast Doubt ◽  
Experiment Verification ◽  
History Of ◽  
Images Of Science ◽  
Selection Of

The authors start from the premise that science is an empirical manifold and then examine different ways of dealing with it. The traditional essentialist approach would construct a single “essence,” a unique and normative set of distinctive qualities that is to be found with minor variations in any branch of science. The usual elements in such a set are the concepts of fact, method, theory, experiment, verification and falsification, while any social, political and cultural processes or factors are discounted as external and collateral. This approach would provide a relatively straightforward account of what science is and reliably distinguish science from everything that is not science so that its claim to autonomy would be supported by a normative “strong” image of science. The history of science would then be reduced to a selection of illustrations of how that essence was formed and implemented. The most well-known versions of this essence and strong image are derived from a logical positivist philosophy of science and from the self-descriptions of many scientists, which are usually considered the authoritative explanation of science and often referred to when science is popularized. The authors point out some considerations that cast doubt on this privilege of self-description. Furthermore, scientificity requires that science itself become an object of specialized research. Studying the activities of scientists and scientific communities using the empirical methods of sociology, history and anthropology has exposed a divergence between the normative “strong” image and the actually observed variety of sciences, methodologies, ways to be scientists, etc. When those empirical disciplines are applied to science, they do not provide an alternative “strong” image of it, but instead construct a relativized and pluralistic “weak” one. The authors locate the crux of the dilemma of choosing between these images of science at the point where the desire to study science meets the urge to defend its autonomy. The article closes by briefly describing the current state of the history of science and outlining the possible advantages of choosing the “weak” image.

scholarly journals Use of the regional research component in teaching the History of Ukrainian Culture

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1 (130)) ◽  
pp. 51-56
Author(s):  
Valery Bukach
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Development ◽  
Regional Research ◽  
Native Land ◽  
Native Culture ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Current State ◽  
Culture History ◽  
Cultural Processes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Regional Component

The article emphasizes that the History of Ukrainian Culture is a component of the humanitarian cycle of disciplines; that a successful use of region-related history materials in the course of its teaching is ensured due to their cross-curricular nature; these materials increase learning motivation. It is noted that the discipline “History of Ukrainian Culture” combines the study of culture history and current trends of socio-cultural development of society in the context of globalization and modernization. It is aimed at developing students’ intention to get involved into the native culture, to respect a person as the main value, regardless of nationality, religion, place of residence. The development regularities of the Ukrainian culture in the context of socio-historical circumstances as well as the panorama of national and world cultural processes and their main stages, specific phenomena of the national Ukrainian culture are the object of the course studies. The experience has shown that appealing to the origins and current state of Ukrainian culture, especially taking into consideration the regional component, arouses keen interest of education seekers. The acquired knowledge remains in memory, performs educational function, arouses further interest in learning the history, culture and traditions of the native land. One can say without any exaggeration that knowledge of the culture history of your own people, your country, and your native land enhances personality, forms values, and cultivates dignity in man. It is assumed that the use of region-related history materials at lectures and seminars makes it possible to talk more convincingly, illustratively, vividly about the major milestones in the history of both national and world culture, contributes to the patriotic upbringing of students. At present, the issues related to scientific and methodological substantiation of the use of the region-oriented materials in teaching the History of Ukrainian culture in order to generate the culture of patriotism seem to be topical.

scholarly journals Constructionist Perspective of Organizational Data Mining

2005 ◽  
pp. 535-539
Author(s):  
Isabel Ramos ◽  
João Álvaro Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Data Mining ◽  
History Of Science ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Root ◽  
Organizational Knowledge Creation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Selection Of

Scientific or organizational knowledge creation has been addressed from different perspectives along the history of science and, in particular, of social sciences. The process is guided by the set of values, beliefs and norms shared by the members of the community to which the creator of this knowledge belongs, that is, it is guided by the adopted paradigm (Lincoln & Guba, 2000). The adopted paradigm determines how the nature of the studied reality is understood, the criteria that will be used to assess the validity of the created knowledge, and the construction and selection of methods, techniques and tools to structure and support the creation of knowledge. This set of ontological, epistemological, and methodological assumptions that characterize the paradigm one implicitly or explicitly uses to make sense of the surrounding reality is the cultural root of the intellectual enterprises. Those assumptions constrain the accomplishment of activities such as construction of theories, definition of inquiry strategies, interpretation of perceived phenomena, and dissemination of knowledge (Schwandt, 2000).

Memoirs of an Academic Rōnin: Religious Studies and Mentorship in the Age of Post-Truth

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Leonardo Ambasciano
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Student ◽  
International Association ◽  
Religious Studies ◽  
Professional Relationship ◽  
Italian Experience ◽  
Current State ◽  
History Of Religions ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The present article offers a selection of recollections about the author’s professional relationship with his mentor during his cursus studiorum as a graduate student and as a Ph.D. candidate. These memories are preceded by a series of critical reflections on the current state of both Religious Studies and the History of Religions, with a comparative focus on the 1960 scientific mandate of the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) and the UK institutional conflation of Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) through the lenses of the early and pioneering Italian experience. Hopefully, these notes will also prompt a much-needed frank conversation on such delicate topics.

“Controversy”

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gideon Freudenthal
Keyword(s):  
History Of Science ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Science History ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Scientific Controversies ◽  
Image Science ◽  
History Of ◽  
Images Of Science ◽  
Traditional Image

Controversies are pervasive in the history of science. History is thus here also at odds with science's images. According to both traditional and contemporary views of science, there are no scientific controversies sui generis. In traditional images of science controversies are external to science proper; in some contemporary views nothing about controversies in science specifically distinguishes them from controversies in other domains. According to one traditional image, science progresses from common ground to conclusions according to secure procedures such that there is no place for disagreement nor, therefore, for controversy. According to another traditional image of science, there are no such secure procedures. On the contrary: one does and even should jump to conclusions. Whereas here subsequent criticism is called for, it seems that controversy is not. This image is built on the assumption that refutations are clear cut, so that producing a valid refutation does not require a lengthy exchange of arguments.

scholarly journals Constructionist Perspective of Organizational Data Mining

2008 ◽  
pp. 2296-2301
Author(s):  
Isabel Ramos ◽  
João Álvaro Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Data Mining ◽  
History Of Science ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Root ◽  
Organizational Knowledge Creation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Selection Of

Scientific or organizational knowledge creation has been addressed from different perspectives along the history of science and, in particular, of social sciences. The process is guided by the set of values, beliefs and norms shared by the members of the community to which the creator of this knowledge belongs, that is, it is guided by the adopted paradigm (Lincoln & Guba, 2000). The adopted paradigm determines how the nature of the studied reality is understood, the criteria that will be used to assess the validity of the created knowledge, and the construction and selection of methods, techniques and tools to structure and support the creation of knowledge. This set of ontological, epistemological, and methodological assumptions that characterize the paradigm one implicitly or explicitly uses to make sense of the surrounding reality is the cultural root of the intellectual enterprises. Those assumptions constrain the accomplishment of activities such as construction of theories, definition of inquiry strategies, interpretation of perceived phenomena, and dissemination of knowledge (Schwandt, 2000).

scholarly journals The current state of the collection fund of the Laboratory of Ornamental Plants of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the main criteria for the formation of large collections in it’s composition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
И.А. Бондорина ◽  
А.В. Кабанов ◽  
Н.А. Мамаева ◽  
Ю.А. Хохлачева
Keyword(s):  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Current State ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Culture ◽  
Academy Of Sciences ◽  
Meadow Species ◽  
Selection Of

Коллекционный фонд лаборатории декоративных растений (ЛДР) ГБС РАН существует с 1947 г. В настоящее время в его состав входят декоративные многолетники из 221 рода и 57 семейств (1039 видов и разновидностей, а также 5047 сортов и садовых форм). Современная политика формирования коллекций в основном направлена на создание крупных и/или оригинальных собраний. Цель представленной работы состоит в изучении количественных и качественных характеристик современного коллекционного фонда лаборатории декоративных растений ГБС РАН, а также структурных особенностей крупных коллекций в его составе. В интродукционных исследованиях наиболее широко использованы эколого-фитоценотический метод и метод родовых комплексов. В структуре видовой части коллекционного фонда ЛДР доминируют представители флор Европы, Азии и Северной Америки, так как эти регионы традиционно считаются наиболее перспективными донорами материала для интродукции декоративных растений. Преобладающими экологическими группами в его составе являются лесные, степные и луговые виды. При формировании сортовых коллекций реализованы различные подходы. Отечественные селекционные достижения доминируют в коллекциях Syringa, Lilium и Phlox. На создание выборки зарубежных сортов, представляющих историю селекции культуры, сориентирована коллекция рода Paeonia. История селекции культуры в СССР наиболее полно представлена на базе коллекции Clematis. Основные этапы микроэволюционного развития культуры продемонстрированы на примере родов Astilbe и Iris. Аспект сохранения ретро-сортов наиболее полно реализован на коллекции Hemerocallis. Подбор перспективного для условий региона сортимента – основное направление расширения коллекции рода Rosa. Аспект отбора наиболее перспективных раннецветущих сортов у культур с поздними сроками цветения наиболее успешно реализован для Dendranthema и Symphyotrichum. На подбор перспективного для условий средней полосы России ассортимента, отражающего морфобиологическое разнообразие культуры, сориентированы коллекции Hosta и Tulipa. Для целей селекции используются ресурсы коллекций Dahlia, Astilbe и Iris. Collection fund of the Laboratory of Ornamental Plants (LOP) MBG RAS has been in existence since 1947. Currently, it includes ornamental perennials from 221 genera and 57 families (1039 species and varieties, as well as 5047 varieties and garden forms). The current policy of forming collections is mainly aimed at creating large and/or original collections. The purpose of the present work is to study the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the modern collection fund LOP MBG RAS, as well as the structural features of large collections in its composition. The most widely used methods in the introduction studies are the ecological-phytocenotic method and the method of generic complexes. The structure of the species part of the collection fund of the LOP is dominated by representatives of the flora of Europe, Asia and North America, since these regions are traditionally considered the most promising donors of material for the introduction of ornamental plants. The predominant ecological groups in its composition are forest, steppe and meadow species. When forming varietal collections, various approaches are implemented. Domestic breeding achievements dominate the Syringa, Lilium and Phlox collections. The collection of the genus Paeonia is aimed at creating a sample of foreign varieties that represent the history of culture selection. The history of culture selection in the USSR is most fully presented on the basis of the Clematis collection. The main stages of microevolutionary development of culture are demonstrated by the example of the genera Astilbe and Iris. The aspect of preserving retro varieties is most fully implemented on the Hemerocallis collection. The selection of a promising assortment for the conditions of the region is the main direction of expanding the collection of the genus Rosa. The aspect of selecting the most promising early-flowering varieties in crops with late flowering dates is most successfully implemented for Dendranthema and Symphyotrichum. The Hosta and Tulipa collections are focused on the selection of a range that is promising for the conditions of the central part of Russia, reflecting the morphobiological diversity of the culture. For breeding purposes, the resources of the Dahlia, Astilbe, and Iris collections are used.

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-217
Author(s):  
W. I. Card
Keyword(s):  
History Of Science ◽  
Scientific Method ◽  
Weather Forecasting ◽  
Empirical Methods ◽  
History Of

In the history of science, it is difficult to think of any activity that was traditionally carried out by empirical methods, an activity such as agriculture on weather forecasting, in which when it was introduced, the scientific method has not proved far superior. It is difficult to believe that it will not prove equally so in medicine. The most immediate benefit might result from test reduction, as there is much evidence that all of us tend to ask for unnecessary numbers of tests.

scholarly journals Introduction

1997 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-256
Author(s):  
JANET BROWNE
Keyword(s):  
History Of Science ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
British Society ◽  
Institutional Level ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Actual Teaching ◽  
Selection Of

When the editorial board of the British Journal for the History of Science was considering ways to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the British Society for the History of Science, it was quickly decided that the occasion presented an ideal opportunity for publishing a collection of student essays. For few areas have changed so much over the last fifty years as the actual teaching of the history of science. When the Society began in 1947, the subject was offered in only three universities: Oxford, Cambridge and London. Now, in 1997, it is available in more than twenty-two institutions across the country and in many more worldwide. University teaching has become an essential part of our professional activities – essential and greatly valued. And the work of students today is of a calibre hardly anticipated fifty years ago. By publishing a selection of student papers during this Anniversary year, we aim to celebrate the strengths of our subject at the institutional level.

scholarly journals Duhem: Images of Science, Historical Continuity, and the First Crisis in Physics

2017 ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Michael Liston
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Science ◽  
History Of Science ◽  
Physical Theory ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Historical Continuity ◽  
Future State ◽  
History Of ◽  
Natural Response ◽  
Scientific Context ◽  
Images Of Science

Duhem used historical arguments to draw philosophical conclusions about the aim and structure of physical theory.  He argued against explanatory theories and in favor of theories that provide natural classifications of the phenomena.  This paper presents those arguments and, with the benefit of hindsight, uses them as a test case for the prevalent contemporary use of historical arguments to draw philosophical conclusion about science.  It argues that Duhem provides us with an illuminating example of philosophy of science developing as a contingent, though natural, response to problems arising in a particular scientific context and under a particular understanding of the history of science in that context.  It concludes that the history of science provides little support for interesting theses about the present or future state of science.

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