默顿-斯廷森-琼斯命题——多重的独立发现实例研究

The Merton-Stimson-Jones Hypotheses:Case studies of multiple independent discoveries

多重的独立发现模式不仅适用于自然科学,在社会科学中也同样常见。在科学史、科学社会学的研究领地,默顿、斯廷森、琼斯三人分别在不同的时间节点、根据不同的学科范式、侧重于不同方面独立地展开研究,最终共同强化了清教主义与近代科学具有积极联系的类似结论,构成了经典的多重独立发现的案例。“默顿-斯廷森-琼斯命题”体现了社会需要、特殊兴趣对特定问题的引领,展现了科学活动中的社会互动、人际交往因素等,确认了不同学科的相似性与差异性,为彼此的研究增强了确证性,为下一步研究做好准备。多重的独立发现现象为传统的科学统一观念提供了新形式的补充,从多重视角展现出社会文化因素的价值。

The pattern of multiple independent discoveries is not only applicable for natural science,but also common in social science.In the field of history of science and sociology of science,Merton,Stimson and Jones have carried out their researches at different times,based on different disciplinary paradigms and focused on different aspects,which finally enforces the similar conclusion that there is a positive relationship between Puritanism and modern science,that also constitutes classic cases of multiple independent discoveries.The Merton-Stimson-Jones hypotheses represent the guidance of social needs and specific interests on certain issues,show the social and interpersonal interaction factors in the scientific activities,identify the similarity and diversity among different subjects,which will increase the certainty of studies of each other,and make full preparation for the further studies.The phenomenon of multiple independent discoveries not only provides a new kind of supply for the traditional concept on unity of science,but also shows the value of social and cultural factors from multiple perspectives.