autonomous system of science & its social responsibility
Samenvatting
A situational sketch of the sociology of science betrays a onesided emphasis on science as an autonomous system at the expense of present, more urgent problems in relation to the position & the effects of science in society. An attempt has been made at a systematic approach to a sociology of science that is aware of its social responsibility. Scientific knowledge, the scientists, & the social organization of science are successively being discussed, each from the following points of view: as autonomous system, as object of social influence, & as agent of social effects. The following aspects may be considered to be the leitmotivs: the relation between scientific work & political action, the need for democratization & distribution of scientific information, & the personal responsibility of the scientist. AA.
