Science in the system of world society

This paper analyses the dynamics of science as one global function system in world society. One basic paradox is pointed out: globalization arises via the nationalization of science in the 19th century, but nationalization is accompanied by a progressive internal differentiation of science. Globalization is described by means of a conceptual distinction of global diffusion vs. global interconnectedness as two core aspects of globalization. The genesis of national scientific communities and of their attendant scientific institutions (the modern scientific university and so on) seems to be a potent mechanism of global diffusion of science. The other side of the same process, progressive internal differentiation, functions as the most important mechanism of global connectedness. That is, disciplinary and subdisciplinary differentiation motivates worldwide collaborative links that are one very visible aspect of a subdisciplinary structure of science that can no longer be determined by national boundaries. In the final part of the argument, this global communicative structure is related to the organizational infrastructure of science, which is dominated by national organizations. It is demonstrated how this disparity weakens the control scientific organizations can exercise on their members, especially on the external ties of their members. This is related to new types of telecommunicative links and the ongoing flow of migration and visits between scientific organizations.

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