In this critical and constructive paper we argue that much received sociology of science is skewed by a presupposed idealist philosophy, one that encourages an uncritical attitude towards the supposed facts of the matter. We propose a critical sociology of science that (1) unfuses science, applied science, and technology - (2) emphasizes fallibility in science and the sociology of science - and that (3) deconstructs all claims to authority. Constructively, we sketch the elements of a sociology of science that comprehends the elementary forms of the scientific life as well as contemporary bureaucratized and militarized "normal" science.
Merton; Sociology of science; Strong programme; Authority; Institutions; Gieryn; Language; Objective knowledge