Three Models of Scientific Development

In this paper I am going to discuss three generalised accounts, or 'me)dels', of the processes by which sdence develops.' I shall call these the 'me)del of openness', the 'model of dewure', and the 'irujdel of branching'. The central concern of each is to show how social factors operating within the pure research communitycontribute to the developtnent of scientific knowledge. I shall argue that the third mexlel provides a more satisfacteny solution to this problem than either of the other two.