Some turning points in the early sociology of Robert King Merton

Robert King Merton's early sociology of science is significant for the understating modern sociology. The relationship between unplanned consequences and developments in technology fundamental a definition contemporary picture social action developments. Theoretical interests link to working-in-progress formulations. Empirical development emerges from these perspectives. significance theoretical progression encapsulated American sociologist's doctoral dissertation astounding (1938). theory-research connection equally when placed relation scholarly output 1950s. In addition, questions posed by Merton apply 1970s 1990s They are fertile with interesting answers even today, which dramatically disturbed time due technological progress. This progress raises new ethical, political, about future humanity. Other sources disorder derive ecological crisis that leads rethinking man-environment relationship. does not address this topic. twentieth-century totalitarianisms have survived into twenty-first century embed dangerously within scientific (e.g. China case). medical-biological theories practices impose value attributed life. particular relevance today global devastating Covid 19 pandemic crisis.