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Hierarchy of scientific consensus and the flow of dissensus over time

Article Abstract:

Radical skeptics, who dismiss the traditional historical sociologist's account of scientific consensus as a linguistic fantasy, do so because they over-look three central themes of the historical sociologist's account. Their accounts contain the "judgemental" character of a reconstruction of scientists' beliefs, hierarchical nature of the consensus change in science, and the influence of a "temporal dimension." These three points are verified with the assistance of two historical-sociological studies of scientific consensus formation by Steve Fuller, and Gilbert and Mulkay.

Social science research, Historical sociology, Radicals, Radicals (Persons), Consensus (Social sciences)

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Intellectualist and symbolist accounts of religious belief and practice

Article Abstract:

A general theory of religion is needed to explain the link between belief and practice. Nonrealism has become less fashionable, and modern theorists instead focus on 'symbolism' and 'literalism'. John Skorupski dismisses symbolism in a more radical way than he realizes. He rejects some key ideas in modern anthropology found in writers such as Emile Durkheim. His rejection of symbolism means that his views are marginal among anthropologists. His support for literalism is not based on sound theory, not does it have empirical backing.

Religion, Social sciences, Symbolism

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