Science is more complicated than it first appears

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Imagine that you must create and broadcast a YouTube video in which you explain that science
is more complicated than it first appears because scienGsts are not disinterested and scienGfic
facts do not simply exist out in the world. How would you use Bourdieu’s arguments about the
existence of a scienGfic field in which scienGsts adopt different strategies, and why they adopt
these strategies (Session 5), and Latour and Woolgar’s explanaGon of how scienGfic facts are
socially constructed through inscripGon devices (Session 8), to help you explain the quesGon to
your audience?
Remember to not simply define the concepts or approaches specified above, but also to explain
their meanings and how they help you answer the first part of the quesGon (i.e., that science is
more complicated than it first appears because scienGsts are not disinterested and scienGfic fact
do not simply exist out in the world).
Write the answer in the form of a first-person script addressing your audience on YouTube.

 

Sample Solution

Bourdieu’s arguments about the existence of a scientific field are based on his concept of habitus, which is defined as a system of dispositions acquired through long-term socialization and experience. These habitus influence how individuals think, act, and perceive the world around them. Bourdieu argues that scientists adopt different strategies within their profession in order to further their own interests and acquire power over others in the academic field. He posits that these strategies involve constructing an image of themselves as competent professionals who have achieved success by following certain norms and practices established by the scientific community. This image can be used to create feelings of respect or admiration amongst peers, cultivate relationships with people in higher positions, or gain recognition for one’s research outputs. Beyond constructing an image of himself/herself as a successful scientist, Bourdieu claims that scientists will also attempt to make strategic investments into certain areas in order to increase their legitimacy or prestige within the scientific field. For example, they may choose to focus on popular topics that are well-funded with access to high quality resources such as laboratory equipment or libraries; or invest time in collaborations with other reputable researchers. Finally, Bourdieu states that scientists may compete for resources such as grants and funding opportunities; engage in networking activities; utilize public speaking opportunities; publish articles frequently; attend conferences regularly; and actively participate in professional organizations related to their area of expertise. Overall, Bourdieu argues that scientists employ various strategies within their fields depending upon personal ambitions and desires for success within the intellectual environment they inhabit. By understanding how these strategies play out amongst academics it is possible for us to better comprehend why certain types of behavior tend become institutionalized resulting from these individual decisions made by members working towards similar goals.

 

I would start my video by talking about Bourdieu’s idea of the scientific field and how it affects the way scientists interact with each other. I would explain that within this field, there are different kinds of strategies adopted by scientists depending on their position and interests in that particular field. This means that even though science is considered to be a neutral, objective discipline – in reality, it is highly influenced by social factors such as power dynamics between certain groups or individuals.

Next, I would discuss Latour and Woolgar’s concept of inscription devices. I would explain how these devices play an important role in creating scientific facts through a process called “social constructivism”, which took place using laboratory tools like notebooks or computers as well as other forms of communication among researchers from different disciplines. These inscription devices establish an agreement among researchers about what constitutes a truth or a fact in science – but this agreement can also be challenged if new ideas or perspectives arise during the research process.

Finally, I’d wrap up my video by emphasizing the point that science is much more complicated than we often think, because not only do scientific facts have to go through rigorous testing before they can become accepted truths – but they must also pass through many layers of social interactions where bias, politics and other influences all play their part.

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