Religion, Science + Ideology

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

• Religion - belief system that functions to unite communities in terms of faith, devotion + commitment.

Question 2

Merton

Answer 2

• Scientific norms.
• CUDOS: Communism, Universalism, Disinterestedness, Organised Scepticism.

Question 3

Popper

Answer 3

• Science is an open belief system.
• Falsification - knowledge claims can be falsified.

Question 4

Kuhn

Answer 4

• Science is a closed belief system.
• Paradigms - guidelines on how to conduct research.

Question 5

Mannheim

Answer 5

• Distinguishes between utopian + ideological thought.
• Ideological thought - privileged groups.
• Utopian thought - justifies social change.

Question 6

Aldridge

Answer 6

• Inclusive definitions of religions prevent sociologists from asserting whether religion is growing, stable or in decline.
• Theological stage - supernatural beliefs.
• Metaphysical stage - explaining through nature.
• Scientific stage - explanation through evidence.

Question 7

Woolgar

Answer 7

• Scientific facts are a social construction that scientists persuade their colleagues to share.