300455 Language of Science, Language about Science (MA: Politische Soziologie) (S) (SoSe 2025)

Words matter. Throughout history, the social system of science, along with its aims and societal roles, has been described in diverse ways. The field of science policy, in particular, offers rich ground for exploration, with examples such as basic and applied research, frontier research, grand challenges, responsible research and innovation, and open science. Within science itself, theories and findings are often communicated through metaphors and other figurative language.

This seminar will explore how these linguistic constructs shape ideas about the functioning of science, its relationship with society, and its role in shaping the future. Additionally, we will examine how such language influences science's legitimation and support. Through reading pivotal and original texts that introduced transformative language about science, alongside sociological analyses, we will contextualize and critique the meaning of these concepts.