Scientific experimental articles are modernist stories.

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Scientific Communication

Background:

• The epistemological aims of scientific articles are often overlooked.
• Understanding how scientific articles achieve their goals is crucial for scientific progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revive the discussion on the epistemological aims of scientific articles.
• To analyze how scientific articles achieve their epistemic goals through narrative structure.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of scientific articles as narratives.
• Comparison of scientific writing techniques with modernist literary techniques (e.g., colligation, multiple perspectives).

Main Results:

• Scientific experimental articles are best understood as modernist narratives.
• This narrative approach enhances reader comprehension and understanding of complex scientific content.
• Modernist narrative structures in science are susceptible to specific forms of epistemic abuse.

Conclusions:

• Viewing scientific articles as modernist narratives offers valuable insights into their epistemic functions.
• The narrative structure is essential for modern science but requires careful consideration to mitigate potential abuses.