Open Science: Revolution or Continuity?

Albagli, S, Maciel, ML, Abdo, AH (eds.). Open Science, Open Issues. Rio de Janeiro: IBICT; Unirio, 2015.

6 Pages Posted: 24 Jun 2015 Last revised: 28 Aug 2015

See all articles by Alessandro Delfanti

Alessandro Delfanti

University of California, Davis; University of Toronto - Faculty of Information

Nico Pitrelli

International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA)

Date Written: June 17, 2015

Abstract

Some open science activists seem to take for granted that “science wants to be open.” But it is difficult to support a position that portrays science as teleologically directed towards more openness. In our opinion, the transformations related to the emergence of digital media needs to be put in a historical perspective. Open science is not necessary, but rather one among many possible evolutions that depend on several factors that include but go beyond technological evolution and adoption, and even cultural change. Here we sketch out three issues that we believe should be acknowledged as core problems by any research agenda that analyzes open science and the impact of digital technologies on the production and circulation of scientific knowledge: the resilience of communication formats over time, in this case the scientific paper; the increased importance for science to maintain its social boundaries; and finally the broader social positioning of scientific research and its communication practices.

Suggested Citation

Delfanti, Alessandro and Pitrelli, Nico, Open Science: Revolution or Continuity? (June 17, 2015). Albagli, S, Maciel, ML, Abdo, AH (eds.). Open Science, Open Issues. Rio de Janeiro: IBICT; Unirio, 2015., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2619958

Alessandro Delfanti (Contact Author)

University of California, Davis ( email )

One Shields Avenue
Apt 153
Davis, CA 95616
United States

University of Toronto - Faculty of Information ( email )

140 St George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G6
Canada

Nico Pitrelli

International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) ( email )

Via Bonomea, 265
Trieste, 34136
Italy

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