Opening the Black Box: Logic, Reason and Rules
Abstract
Thus far we have discussed the wide variation in conceptions of science ( Chapter 1 ) and noted the importance of the idea of representation ( Chapter 2 ) which, we suggested, is deeply implicated in all efforts to be ‘scientific’. In this chapter we start to look at how sociologists (in particular, but also some historians and philosophers) have attempted to escape the constraints upon our understanding of science exerted by the dominance of essentialism. As a specific example we examine attempts by sociologists to study logic or reasoning, especially that said to be involved in promoting scientific and mathematical laws and truths.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Wittgensteinian philosophy and applications
Pragmatism in Philosophy and Education
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Science
- Pages
- 39–52
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter