sociological turn in philosophy of science

The sociological turn in philosophy of science refers to shifting attention from viewing scientific knowledge as purely objective or logical to recognizing the influence of social factors—such as cultural norms, power structures, and community practices—in shaping scientific ideas and methods. It emphasizes that science is a human activity influenced by societal values, biases, and interactions, which can affect what is studied, how research is conducted, and how findings are interpreted. This perspective highlights that science is embedded in social contexts, making our understanding of scientific knowledge intertwined with the social environment in which it develops.