No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Introduction. Starting from R. Merton’s pioneer works, social studies of science have been a major part of Western intellectual and scientific life. The total number of periodicals on the subject, that is over 20, illustrates the point best. Meanwhile Russian social studies of science are far less intensive. Moreover Western studies of social constructivist type still haven’t received sufficient coverage in Russian scientific literature. Our article is an attempt to somewhat reverse the situation. The aim of the article is to analyze social constructivism evolution in the English speaking countries starting from Berger and Luckmann’s seminal work “The Social Construction of Reality” in 1966; to classify social constructivist versions of science together with their most prominent traits. Methods. When considering the problem, the author uses Y. Hacking’s schematic definition of social construction, P. Kitcher’s scheme of “socio-historical cluster” and M. Baghramian’s “objectivist conception of science”. Scientific novelty of the research. The analysis provides reasons for social constructivism popularity during the “science wars”; specifies social ontology and epistemic status of scientific knowledge in moderate versions of social constructivism; specifies some discourse peculiarities of radical versions of social constructivism (the consequence of somewhat unusual reception of continental tradition) and its view of the science. Results. The basic results are: a) certain convergence of ontological positions in analytic and moderate versions of social constructivist type, b) controversial issues of social (historical) approach to scientific explanation and c) controversial issues of postmodern rhetoric in radical versions. Conclusions. Social studies of science play an important role in science and society, the critical comments towards social constructivist versions notwithstanding.

Foreign language is a mandatory subject at all stages of higher education - from bachelors to doctoral studies. Knowledge of a foreign language at the present stage of development of science and technology is a very important skill for expanding the exchange of scientific ideas. It is impossible to conduct research in a single country without using world experience. Even with advanced technologies that no one else owns, scientists are forced to study the world’s experience in different fields of activity in order to develop them. Any sphere of human activity involves various developments, so all Sciences are interconnected. Training of young scientists in various fields of science is also based on communication. Without a language, both native and foreign, it is impossible to communicate and understand the subject of study. Reading scientific articles in a foreign language requires knowledge of language grammar and terminology, but as for scientists, this terminology should be narrowly focused. There can be no ambiguity or different interpretations. On the other hand, if we take English words as an example, most of them are polysemantic. Accordingly, it is necessary to operate with the meaning that is applicable in a specific area of use of the term.