Robert K. Merton

Robert K. Merton was a prominent sociologist who contributed significantly to our understanding of science and knowledge within society. He introduced concepts such as the "norms of science," outlining the ethics and practices that guide researchers, like communalism and skepticism. His work in social epistemology—how knowledge is constructed and validated in social contexts—helped bridge the gap between sociology and science. Merton's analysis of scientific paradigms and the dynamics of scientific progress has influenced how we think about the development of knowledge in a societal framework, highlighting the interplay between social structures and scientific inquiry.