History Culture
History of Science Lecture Series - Steven Shapin
Added by Sara Thomas
What You'll Learn
- Understand the historical development and perceived hierarchy between natural and social sciences.
- Identify the key factors influencing the funding and institutionalization of social sciences.
- Analyze the evolving relationship between science, technology, humanities, and social sciences in the context of interdisciplinary research and big data.
Video Breakdown
In this lecture, historian Steven Shapin explores the historical relationship between the natural and social sciences, examining the perceived hierarchy, funding disparities, and evolving interdisciplinary connections. He discusses the post-World War II context, the influence of institutions like the National Science Foundation, and the shift towards project-based research. The lecture also addresses the increasing value of social sciences in the age of big data and technology, and the ongoing debates about the role of humanities and the nature of scientific disciplines.
Key Topics
Social Science History
Hierarchy of Sciences
NSF Funding
Interdisciplinary Science
Hard vs. Soft Science
Big Data & Social Science
Video Index
Introduction to the History of Science and Disciplines
This module introduces Stephen Chapman and sets the stage for the lecture by questioning the value j...
This module introduces Stephen Chapman and sets the stage for the lecture by questioning the value judgments placed on different scientific disciplines and their historical context.
Introducing Stephen Chapman and the Lecture's Focus
0:14 - 12:18
Introduces Stephen Chapman, his background, and the central question of the lecture: the relative value of natural and social sciences.
Stephen Chapman
Academic Lineage
Epistemology
Value Judgments
The Historical Positioning of Social Sciences
This module explores the historical development and positioning of social sciences relative to natur...
This module explores the historical development and positioning of social sciences relative to natural sciences and the arts, focusing on the 19th and mid-20th centuries.
Emergence and Hierarchy of Social Sciences
12:16 - 24:19
Discusses the perceived hierarchy of sciences, the emergence of social science disciplines, and the tensions between different fields of study.
Academic Disciplines
Cultural Superiority
Reductionism
Institutional Placement
Post-War Science Policy and the Social Sciences
This module examines the historical context of the perceived inferiority of social sciences after Wo...
This module examines the historical context of the perceived inferiority of social sciences after World War II, focusing on the NSF and federal funding.
The Role of the NSF and Funding Disparities
24:16 - 36:18
Focuses on the role of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the allocation of federal funding, as well as criticisms from natural scientists and politicians.
Competition for Resources
Epistemological Debates
Influence of Politics
Institutional Power
Evolving Relationships Between Natural and Social Sciences
This module discusses the historical and contemporary relationship between natural and social scienc...
This module discusses the historical and contemporary relationship between natural and social sciences, focusing on funding, prestige, and the shift towards interdisciplinary research.
Funding, Prestige, and Interdisciplinary Shifts
36:16 - 48:20
Highlights how the distinction between these fields has become less pronounced due to the increasing integration of social science expertise.
Evolution of Disciplines
Impact of Funding
Blurring Boundaries
Project-Based Research
The Increasing Value of Social Sciences in the Modern World
This module discusses the growing importance of social sciences in the context of big data and techn...
This module discusses the growing importance of social sciences in the context of big data and technology, and addresses questions about the role of social factors in science.
Social Sciences in the Age of Big Data
48:18 - 1:00:21
Discusses the increasing value and power of social sciences in the modern world, particularly in the context of big data and technology.
Evolving Role
Impact of Technology
Relationship to Other Disciplines
Interdisciplinarity and the Future of Academic Disciplines
This module discusses the shift towards interdisciplinary projects in universities and the evolving ...
This module discusses the shift towards interdisciplinary projects in universities and the evolving nature of disciplines like economics and sociology.
The Rise of Interdisciplinary Projects
1:00:19 - 1:12:22
Discusses the shift towards interdisciplinary projects in universities, the role of humanities and social sciences, and the evolving nature of disciplines.
Evolution of Disciplines
Interdisciplinary Research
Role of Humanities
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Data Interpretation
This module explores the evolving role of social sciences in relation to the humanities, focusing on...
This module explores the evolving role of social sciences in relation to the humanities, focusing on data gathering and interpretation skills.
The Convergence of Social Sciences and Humanities?
1:12:20 - 1:20:27
Questions whether the social sciences are becoming more like the humanities and addresses the hollowing out of the humanities due to student choices.
Interdisciplinary Relationships
Epistemology vs. Institutionalism
Value of Humanities
Student Interests
Questions This Video Answers
What is the historical basis for the perceived inferiority of social sciences?
The perception stems from the post-World War II era, influenced by funding priorities, the dominance of the natural sciences, and criticisms from natural scientists and politicians, leading to the 'hard science' vs. 'soft science' dichotomy.
How has the relationship between natural and social sciences changed over time?
The relationship has evolved from a hierarchical structure to a more integrated model, driven by interdisciplinary research, project-based funding, and the increasing recognition of the value of social science expertise in addressing complex problems.
What role does the National Science Foundation (NSF) play in the development of social sciences?
The NSF's funding decisions and policies have significantly shaped the trajectory of social sciences, influencing research priorities and the perceived value of different disciplines.
How is big data impacting the social sciences?
Big data is increasing the value and power of social sciences by providing new tools and opportunities for research and analysis, particularly in understanding human behavior and social phenomena.
What is the significance of interdisciplinary research in the context of science and social science?
Interdisciplinary research is becoming increasingly important as it allows for a more holistic approach to addressing complex problems, integrating insights from both natural and social sciences.
Are the social sciences becoming more like the humanities?
There is a debate about whether the social sciences are converging with the humanities, particularly in terms of data interpretation and qualitative analysis, while also facing challenges related to funding and student interest.