Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract
In this paper I will look at the two aspects of models which I call the ‘symbolic’ and the ‘functional’. A comparison is made in this regard between models considered as Kuhnian paradigms, and Durkheim’s theory of social cohesion through collective representation. I argue that models serve a similar function with respect to the scientific community. However, this does not imply that practice is independent of belief. What I suggest instead is that practice is reconciled or negotiated with belief. Thus practice in a sense, does not tell us the whole story.
Keywords
Kuhnian paradigms, Durkheim’s theory, social cohesion
Divisions
ScienceandTechnologyStudies
Publication Title
Al-Mukhatabat
Volume
3
Publisher
Arabesques Editions
Additional Information
Prof. Dr. Mohd Hazim Shah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies in Science from Manchester University, England, a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the London School of Economics, and a PhD in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Pittsburgh, U.S.A. In 1993 he was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Department of History & Philosophy of Science, University of Melbourne, Australia. From January to June 2008 he spent his sabbatical leave at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, as a Visiting Scholar. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Science and Technology Studies, University of Malaya, where he teaches the history, philosophy, and sociology of science. He has been the Deputy President of the Malaysian Social Science Association since 2000. His research interest includes theoretical studies on science and culture, and comparative epistemology.