Scientific knowledge is shaped by social factors from "summary" of Leviathan and the Air-Pump by Steven Shapin,Simon Schaffer
Throughout the narrative of Leviathan and the Air-Pump, the authors demonstrate how scientific knowledge does not exist in a vacuum, separate from the social contexts in which it is produced. The experiment conducted by Boyle and Hobbes on the nature of air was not simply a matter of objective observation and deduction; rather, it was deeply entwined with the social dynamics of the time. In the 17th century, England was a society marked by political turmoil, religious conflict, and a burgeoning interest in the natural world. Boyle and Hobbes, as prominent figures in this milieu, were not immune to the influences of their social environment. Their experiment was not solely about uncovering the truth of the natural world; it was also about asserting their own authority and credibility in a society where knowledge was power. The controversies surrounding their experiment, such as the debates over experimental replication and the role of witness testimony, further illustrate the social dimensions of scientific knowledge. These disputes were not just about the validity of the experiment itself; they were also about competing claims to authority and legitimacy within the scientific community. Moreover, the authors highlight how the very language and rhetoric used by Boyle and Hobbes in describing their experiment were shaped by the social norms and conventions of their time. Terms like "witness" and "evidence" carried with them a weight of meaning that went beyond simple empirical observation; they were laden with the cultural and social baggage of 17th century England. In this way, Leviathan and the Air-Pump serves as a powerful reminder that scientific knowledge is not a neutral or objective enterprise. It is deeply embedded in the social fabric of the times, shaped by the values, beliefs, and power dynamics of the society in which it is produced. By uncovering these social factors at play in the history of science, the authors offer a compelling critique of the idea that scientific knowledge exists in a realm apart from the messy complexities of human society.
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