ELK ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF Social Science ISSN 2349-9392 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJSS/issn. 2454-2997/2015; Volume 7 Issue 1 (2020) www.elkjournals.com Unleashing the potential of the ‘Sociology of Science’: Capitalizing on the power of science to usher in social, cultural and intellectual revolutions across the world, and lay the foundations of twenty-first century pedagogy Sujay Rao M Institute for the study of the Globalization of Science Email ID – [email protected] Abstract This paper reviews the definitions of science put forward by different scholars, its myriad functions, its social duties and responsibilities, and the role played by science communication to the masses. It discusses the historical role played by science in ushering in social and intellectual revolutions particularly in the context of Europe and other developed societies, and the need to replicate them elsewhere. It also discusses the scope and the nature of work carried out in the fields of sociology of science as well as its limitations arising from its Eurocentrism and an ivory-tower approach. It also discusses how the ‘Sociology of science’ can be used to help the rapid intellectual and economic development of developing countries and tradition-bound societies by analysing differences between developed countries and developing countries as well as differences within developing countries, and can play a role in changing the lives of millions of people across the world. We believe the ‘sociology of Science’ encompassing fields such as historiography and sociology will go a long way in ensuring that the benefits of a scientific temper are properly communicated to millions of people across cultures, and that these can counter superstition, blind faith as well as traditional interpretations of various phenomena, besides aiding economic development. This field must, of course also be studied in the context of the latest advances in pedagogy, theories of pedagogical content, and even language acquisition patterns and language dynamics. The relevant aspects of other fields of social sciences must also, of course, be taken into consideration. Many fields of social sciences may remain enchained to Eurocentric paradigms and much work may need to be done to make them relevant for different cultures and societies, and tie them to global outcomes. Thus, this paper stresses the need for Sociology of science as a distinct cross-cultural and inter-disciplinary field of science in the twenty-first century with its own theories, methods and frameworks to which multi-cultural teams must contribute. encompassing definition of science Definition of Science because although the principles of It is difficult to put forward a science are universal, and its histories straightforward and an all- intertwined, science cannot be 1 ELK ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF Social Science ISSN 2349-9392 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJSS/issn. 2454-2997/2015; Volume 7 Issue 1 (2020) alienated from a cultural context, and legends in traditional cultures to therefore may not have a permanent or scientific racism in the west) to a universal meaning. Because modern facilitating intellectual development scientific practices have different and progress. Thus, one of the pillars histories, some mutually of a modern society is a scientific interdependent, and some birthed in culture and many researchers of their unique cultural contexts, they sciences such as Kandor (1957) see may vary from context to context science to be a major factor of while retaining a universal core. The production. Science continues to west did not always dominate is evolve, and the science of the future science; even the Islamic world has encompassing methods and principles, produced great scientists, examples may be a vast improvement from the being Ibn Sina, and Ibn al Haytham, science of the present, given the and there was a time when Islamic opportunities now available for science was dominant. However, other dialogue, discussion and cross-cultural societies may have had other comprehension. The scientific approaches to science such as the framework includes the people, observation of phenomena in their institutions and techniques involved in natural contexts over a protracted span creating and disseminating a scientific of time, or no controlled approaches at temper, and these would play a major all. These are sometimes brushed off role in determining scientific as traditional or indigenous outcomes and the pace and direction knowledge. Thus, in 1913, J. McKeen of scientific research. (Dear, 2006). Cattell, the Vice President of the Science therefore not only American Association for the encompasses scientific method, but is Advancement of Science was also an art because it involves an skeptical or the ability of non-white understanding of culture, culture cultures to produce great scientists; specific constructs and involves a even the otherwise brilliant American thorough understanding of the human Biologist and Geologist Louis Agassiz psyche. This is particularly true of the thought non-whites to be unfit for social sciences.1 scientific work. but this may only be partly true, and applicable to the The term Science is derived from situation in the USA then. The the Latin word scientia, meaning application of scientific method and knowledge or the state of knowing, its duties in relation to society may and is a systematic endeavour also change from time to time, and as that builds and organizes knowledge i scientific awareness improves, its role n the form of facts, principles, testable may change from that of countering pre-scientific beliefs (from all 1 st Teaching science in the 21 century, directions, examples being myths Jack Rhoton, Patricia Shane, 2006 2 ELK ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF Social Science ISSN 2349-9392 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJSS/issn. 2454-2997/2015; Volume 7 Issue 1 (2020) explanations and predictions about concepts or symbols for the purpose of different phenomena by studying and generalizing to extend, correct or observing them based on evidence, verify knowledge, whether that and reassesses them from time to time knowledge aids in construction of based on changing evidence. Thus, theory or in the practice of an art.‖ science may be defined as a ―A William Emory, on the other hand, systematic method of continuing defines Research as "an organized investigation that uses observation, enquiry designed and carried out to hypothesis testing, measurement, provide information for solving a experimentation, logical argument and problem". It often comprises of theory-building to lead to more defining and redefining problems, adequate explanations of natural formulating hypotheses, and providing phenomena.‖ According to the solutions to problems. Thus, research, Science Council, ―Science is the is often central to scientific endeavour, pursuit and application of knowledge as it extends the body of scientific and understanding of the natural and knowledge systematically. On the social world following a systematic other hand, for sociologists like methodology based on evidence.‖ It is Robert K. Merton, science may be a systematic hunt for pertinent defined in terms of what scientists do knowledge on a topic acquired with a and produce, and scientific output in certain goal or end. It is also a body of relation to society, and for its certified knowledge comprising betterment. Thus, scientific empirical methods and valid knowledge is based on empirical deductions. Scientific methodology evidence, and helps us understand the includes several components such as natural world, but provides only a objective observation, quest for limited understanding of other aspects objectivity and accuracy, empirical of culture such as art, philosophy, or measurement and data, multiple routes religion. These may however be of evidence, systematic approaches, attempted to be understood through experiment and observation, reasoning unique frameworks in social sciences and critical analysis, hypothesis as these evolve and become robust in creation and verification, their own right. Scientific methods are establishment of general rules or to some extent still subjective and conclusions, verification and testing, subject to the vagaries of human peer review and assessment, as well as nature, given that science is still and communication of scientific findings will be a human endeavour, but a to the masses. (Kuhn, 1962) Science gradual transition to higher states of also encompasses research which D. objectivity will result if scientific Slesinger and M. Stephenson in the methods become more robust, fool Encyclopedia of Social Sciences proof and trust worthy. This can define as ―the manipulation of things, happen only if empirical data is 3 ELK ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF Social Science ISSN 2349-9392 (Online); DOI: 10.16962/EAPJSS/issn. 2454-2997/2015; Volume 7 Issue 1 (2020) gathered from all parts of the world. philosophies of science. (Guba 1990) 2 Many sociologists such as Ian 3 4 Robertson, William P. Scott, and W F Ogburn consider Social sciences to be There are several defining bona fide sciences, but these must characteristics of science, and these prove their mettle in the days to come. include the following: Science also includes pure research which is carried on regardless of 1. Objectivity: This refers to the practical application (It is driven by ability to see facts as they are, and sheer curiosity or inquisitiveness, and guard against biases, beliefs, often provides explanations to natural favouritism, personal