Mapping Scientific Method: Disciplinary Narrations

This book explores how the scientific method influences and determines dominant methodologies in modern academic disciplines, highlighting the engagement of practitioners from different backgrounds. It critiques the scientific method from various social locations and investigates its connections to power and domination structures. It offers a new perspective on the philosophy of the scientific method and is the first of its kind in the South Asian context to debate scientific methods and address questions from scholars in the global south.

Format: Hardback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate interplay between the scientific method and the dominant methodologies across diverse modern academic disciplines. It sheds light on the diverse ways in which practitioners from various fields, including the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, engage with this fundamental scientific approach within their respective domains. The book meticulously charts the discourse within each discipline that critically examines the scientific method, exploring it from various social perspectives to advocate for more nuanced and complex methodologies. Furthermore, it investigates the profound connections between the method and the power structures and dominant ideologies that permeate these disciplines. By undertaking this exploration, the book presents a fresh perspective on the philosophy of the scientific method, challenging traditional notions and offering a more nuanced understanding of its role in shaping scientific inquiry.

As part of the esteemed Science and Technology Studies series, this volume stands as a groundbreaking contribution in the South Asian context, engaging scholars based in the global south in a critical debate on scientific methods and addressing pressing questions. It serves as a valuable resource for students and practitioners across the fields of science, humanities, social sciences, philosophy of science, and philosophy of social science. Particularly for those engaged in interdisciplinary research, this volume offers invaluable insights and perspectives.

The book's chapters are organized into three distinct sections, each exploring different aspects of the relationship between the scientific method and academic disciplines. The first section examines the historical development and evolution of the scientific method, tracing its roots from ancient times to the present. It explores the various philosophical and theoretical frameworks that have shaped its development and examines the contributions of prominent scientists and thinkers throughout history.

The second section focuses on the application of the scientific method in specific disciplines. It examines how practitioners from different fields interpret and apply the scientific method to their research, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in each domain. The chapters in this section provide insightful examples of scientific inquiry in fields such as biology, physics, psychology, and sociology, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of the scientific method across different disciplines.

The third section delves into the critiques and debates surrounding the scientific method. It explores the various social locations from which critiques emerge, including marginalized communities, developing countries, and feminist perspectives. The chapters in this section examine the ways in which these critiques challenge traditional scientific practices and advocate for more inclusive and equitable methodologies. They also explore the ethical implications of scientific research and the responsibilities of scientists and researchers in ensuring the responsible and ethical use of scientific knowledge.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from various fields such as science studies, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. They engage in critical dialogue and engage with a wide range of scholarly literature, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between the scientific method and academic disciplines.

In conclusion, this volume is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of science and technology studies. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the scientific method and its impact on academic disciplines. By critically examining the discourse within each discipline, advocating for nuanced and complex methodologies, and investigating the connections between the method and power structures, the book provides a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and scholars alike. As such, it is an essential read for anyone interested in advancing our understanding of scientific inquiry and its role in shaping our world.

Weight: 830g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032273525