Epistemological Dimensions of Robert Mertons Sociology. And the Debate in the Philosophy of Science of the Twentieth Century

Introduction: Back to Robert Merton
Merton and the Debate: A Strategic Position
Continuities and Change
A Triadic Heuristic Model
On Merton and Universalism
Acknowledgment

The Epistemological Tridimensionality of Sociology
Why Epistemologists Should Care about Sociology?
The First Dimension: Epistemology of Sociology
The Second Dimension: Sociological Epistemology
The Third Dimension: Sociology of Epistemology
Robert Merton: Pioneer
Heritage: The Influence of Parsons, Znaniecki, and Sorokin
Note on Ziolkowski`s Epistemological Minimum

Robert Merton and the `Epistemology of Sociology`
Three Problems of the History of Sociology
Proposals for a Change of Perspective
Thematic Analysis of Two Great Sociological Traditions
Merton`s "Mode of Analysis"
The Concept-Formation Strategy
Middle-Range Theories and Disciplined Eclecticism
From Holistic Functionalism to Structural Analysis
Historical Note: On Merton and Structuralism

Robert Merton and `Sociological Epistemology`
The "Copernican Revolution" in the Theory of Knowledge
Merton` s Programmatic Contributions
Merton`s Substantive Contributions
Merton`s Criterion of Validity: Between Irony and Logic
The Second Radical Change: Regress and Inconsistency
Conclusive Note: The Role of Feelings

Robert Merton and the `Sociology of Epistemology`
A "Paradigm" for the Sociology of Epistemology
The Puritan Spur to Science
The Normative Structure of Science
Priorities in Scientific Discovery
A Central Theme of Merton`s Work:: Ambivalence
The Social Origin of American and European Methodology
The Social Origin of Methodological Conflicts in Sociology
The Social Origin of the Insider-Outsider Epistemology
Historical Note (a Political Metaphor)

Conclusion: Going beyond Robert Merton
Philosophy of Science
Science of Science
Technology of Science