Een kritiek op Robert Merton's 'Science Technology and Society in Seventeenth Century England'

Samenvatting

A scientific examination of Merton's work attempts to test his hypothesis that the English scientists of the 17th century were motivated by "puritan" elements. Merton's sources concerning the significance of puritan & cultural values are examined in detail. He did not succeed in processing his information correctly; the word "puritan" is given various meanings, which creates confusion, & no distinction is made between different kinds of religiousness. Alternative research, which should lead to more valuable results, is proposed. 2 Tables. I. Verluyten.