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
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: Suggested Citation