The signs of science

Abstract

Since the Science Citation Index emerged within the system of scientific communication in 1964, an intense controversy about its character has been raging: in what sense can citation analysis be trusted? This debate can be characterized as the confrontation of different perspectives on science. In this paper the citation representation of science is discussed: the way the citation creates a new reality of as well as in the world of science; the main features of this reality; and some implications for science and science policy.