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The authors argue for a more complex view of scientific knowledge production from "summary" of Leviathan and the Air-Pump by Steven Shapin,Simon Schaffer

The argument put forth by Shapin and Schaffer emphasizes the need to move beyond simplistic notions of how scientific knowledge is generated. They contend that the traditional view of a linear process of discovery, where experiments lead inevitably to the establishment of objective truths, is inadequate. Instead, they advocate for a more nuanced understanding that recognizes the social and cultural factors at play in shaping scientific knowledge. The authors highlight the role of social interactions and power dynamics in the production of scientific knowledge. They argue that scientists are not simply dispassionate observers uncovering the natural world's truths but are influenced by their social contexts. For example, they point out how the debate between Thomas Hobbes and Robert Boyle over the air-pump was not just about experimental results but also about broader philosophical and political disagreements. Furthermore, Shapin and Schaffer stress the importance of rhetoric and persuasion in scientific practice. They argue that scientific knowledge is not just a matter of presenting objective facts but involves convincing others of the validity of one's claims. The use of language and argumentation is crucial in shaping how scientific knowledge is accepted and disseminated. In addition, the authors highlight the role of material culture in scientific knowledge production. They point out how the design of instruments like the air-pump can shape experimental outcomes and influence the interpretation of results. This emphasis on the materiality of scientific practice challenges the idea of a pure, abstract realm of scientific knowledge divorced from the messy realities of the laboratory.
  1. Shapin and Schaffer's argument for a more complex view of scientific knowledge production underscores the need to consider the social, rhetorical, and material dimensions of scientific practice. By challenging simplistic views of how scientific knowledge is generated, they open up new ways of understanding the dynamic and contingent nature of scientific inquiry.
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Leviathan and the Air-Pump

Steven Shapin

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