Title: Robber Barons and Politicians in Mathematics: A Conflict Model of Science
Abstract: This paper argues for a conflict sociology of science that contrasts with idealist and functionalist sociologies of science, notably championed in the works of R.K. Merton and T.S. Kuhn. The basis for the argument is an analysis of major scandals and controversies in the history of mathematics: the conflicts between Cardan and Tartaglia; Newton and Leibniz; and Cauchy, Abel, and Galois take place in the robber baron era of mathematics. The conflict between Cantor and Kronecker marks a transition to the era of saintly politicians. Each conflict represents a watershed in the history of the social organization of mathematics, and a transition to new competitive conditions. Resume. Cette etude defend le principe qu'il existe une atmosphere de conflit au sein de la sociologie des sciences qui contraste avec les sociologies des sciences de type idealistes et fonctionnelles, dont notamment R.K. Merton et T.S. Kuhn se font les champions dans leurs oeuvres. L'argument de base de cet abrege est fonde sur une analyse des scandales et des controverses majeures de l'histoire des mathematiques: les conflits enter Cardin et Tartaglia, Newton et Leibniz, et Cauchy, Abel et Galois trouvent leur place qui leur reviennent au cours de l'ere des nobles voleurs des mathematiques. Le conflit entre Cantor et Kronecker opere une transition dans l'ere des politiciens aux allures de saints. Chaque conflit represente une ligne de faite dans l'histoire de l'organisation sociale des mathematiques, et une transition vers de nouvelles regles d'emulation. * We want to thank Donald MacKenzie and Paul DiMaggio for their criticisms and suggestions, and Valerie Alia for helping us revise this paper for publication. Please address all correspondence and reprint requests to Professor Randall Collins, Department of Sociology, University of Virgina, Charlottesville, Virgina 22903, USA or Professor Sal Restivo, Science/ Technology Studies Division, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., 12181.
Publication Year: 1983
Publication Date: 1983-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 33
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