A critique of Shapin's social interpretation of the Edinburgh phrenology debate
- 1 May 1975
- journal article
- other
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Annals of Science
- Vol. 32 (3) , 245-256
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00033797500200271
Abstract
While many aspects of Shapin's historical thesis (see preceding article) are accepted, this paper raises objections to specific parts of his historical account, and also to the historiographical assumptions underlying his sociological programme. In particular, Shapin's claim to have explained the Edinburgh phrenology debate in social terms is analysed and rejected.Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Phrenological knowledge and the social structure of early nineteenth-century EdinburghAnnals of Science, 1975
- Essay Review: Popper's Mystification of Objective KnowledgeScience Studies, 1974