social theories of science (sociology)

The aim of this essay is to compare and contrast the social theories of science as proposed by Merton, Barnes and Feyerabend; and to determine if these theories support the suggestion that science is part of Weber’s rationalisation process. In order to achieve this aim, Weber’s account of formal rationalisation will be summarised. Additionally, Weber’s paradigm case, the structure of modern bureaucracies, will be used as an illustration of this process. Evaluation of the social science theories as proposed by Merton, Barnes, and Feyerabend will follow with conclusions being made for each theory as they appear in the text.
Weber’s concept of rationalisation can be referred to as a variety of processes that scrutinise all human action reducing it to calculable, measurable and controllable regulation; its main purpose being to reduce inefficiency, waste and overcapacity (Ambercrombie, Hill, & Turner, 1984; Brubaker, 1995). One specific form of rationalisation, formal rationa...