Soumendra Nath Thakur

May 29, 2025

Science does not exist in a vacuum—it operates within social, political, and institutional frameworks. As Stanley Wilkin rightly pointed out, the history of science is not free from power dynamics or ideological bias.

However, we must distinguish between understanding science sociologically and doing science methodologically.

Sociology reveals how narratives are shaped, how gatekeeping happens, and how dissent is managed. But physics—and the physical sciences more broadly—seek objective, repeatable truths about the natural world. The pursuit is empirical, not interpretive.

Still, no discipline is free from bias. Even physics can be swayed by entrenched paradigms, reputational pressures, or funding asymmetries.

That’s why we must insist on balanced scrutiny. new theories should face rigorous evaluation, yes—but so should established ones. Protecting consensus at the cost of inquiry undermines the very spirit of science.

Scientific truth should never become dogma. It must remain open to revision, challenge, and the unconventional—if we are to truly advance.

— Soumendra Nath Thakur

Reference:

Scientific Authority, Paradigm Bias, and the Need for Balanced Scrutiny in Theoretical Challenges

https://www.researchgate.net/post/Scientific_Authority_Paradigm_Bias_and_the_Need_for_Balanced_Scrutiny_in_Theoretical_Challenges