Expertise in Methods, Methods of Expertise

Abstract

Scientific expertise is a key issue in the concept of the knowledge society. While the focus of much of the current research is on the user- or the demand-side of scientific expertise, the focus of this paper is on its formation. To achieve this, it aims at establishing a connection of the history of scientific methods with the history of scientific expertise. In my view, competence in methods is the basis for the building of capabilities that are needed to help in the solution of others’ problems. Furthermore, because competence in methods is not an easily accessible – but often even an exclusive – qualification, it contributes to the demarcation of expert and layperson. Though historical in perspective and methodology, this paper involves epistemological and sociological issues as well. The first part deals with the topic of methods in the history of science, illustrating it with the example of the impact of physical methods on chemistry in the second half of the twentieth century. The second part tackles the notion of scientific expertise, exemplified with a case study on analytical chemistry in mid-nineteenth century.