Styles of Science and the Pluralist Turn: Between Inclusion and Exclusion

Area of Science:

• History and Philosophy of Science
• Epistemology

Background:

• The concept of 'style' migrated from the arts to the history and philosophy of science in the early 20th century (German-speaking world) and late 20th century (Anglo-American context).
• The 'pluralist turn' in the history and philosophy of science (late 1970s-early 1990s) involved the category of style.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the links between style and science.
• To uncover neglected contributions to the epistemology of style.
• To analyze style as a mechanism for inclusion and exclusion in scientific knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of the concept of style in the philosophy of science.
• Examination of the role of style in scientific discourse and practice.
• Epistemological inquiry into how style shapes scientific understanding.

Main Results:

• Style has historically influenced the philosophy of science, particularly during key intellectual shifts.
• The concept of style acts as a dual vector: promoting inclusion of diverse scientific methods while also enabling exclusion of alternative knowledge systems.
• Neglected contributions to the epistemology of style highlight its complex role in defining and delimiting scientific practice.

Conclusions:

• Style is a critical concept for understanding the plurality, historicity, and locality of scientific ways of knowing.
• Recognizing style's role in inclusion and exclusion is essential for a more comprehensive epistemology of science.
• Further research into the epistemology of style can illuminate how dominant scientific norms are established and maintained.