Research at ISoS
Reseach at ISoS
Studying Science
Science Studies means the systematic analysis of the sciences in their historical development, methodological framework, and social context. In studying the historical, epistemic, social, and cultural characteristics of the sciences at ISoS, we use the term science in an inclusive manner, extending even the wide meaning of the German notion of Wissenschaft. Thus, research at the ISoS covers the physical, life and medical sciences as well as the social sciences and the humanities, and we include medical practice, technology and engineering. This choice is based on the realization that scientific endeavors are diverse, that there exists no sharp and timeless distinction between these fields, and that their impact on each other and jointly on society is great and lasting.
Research approach: Integrative, interdisciplinary, immersive
The researchers in the ISoS are bound together by their shared interest in the integration of the relevant disciplines reflecting on science, technology, and medicine. In the ISoS, these reflexive disciplines are history, philosophy, sociology, and political science. Research at the ISoS is characterized by an intensive exchange between the reflexive disciplines and by the conviction that many questions about science can only be addressed from more than one disciplinary angle.
From both a national and an international perspective, the integrated approach of ISoS exceeds the established roster of involved disciplines, as the normal situation in any single place is the combination of just two of them (e.g., History and Philosophy of Science, or Social Epistemology).
Our program is rooted in an interdisciplinary working mode, collaborating with the sciences in addition to just reflecting on them. The interdisciplinary approach is important for science studies in order to get into contact with how science is actually practiced. It also is crucial for science studies having an impact on the sciences and being relevant and useful for practicing scientists, engineers and physicians. Some of the research in the ISoS is thus characterized by a philosophy/history/sociology in science approach, addressing reflexive questions that arise in the sciences and helping scientists to solve scientific problems.
Much of the research in the ISoS studies science in society. We thus forge a transdisciplinary, or immersive, approach, including the relevant societal actors in our studies of science.
The scientific system is a crucial part of society, and science and society are intertwined in various ways. Moreover, socio-political dimensions are an inevitable part of science itself. By reflecting on the interrelations between science and society, our research also seeks to be relevant to society and to contribute to meeting the challenges that society encounters.