Chang Hasok
Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH, UK.
Notes Rec R Soc Lond. 2017 Mar 20;71(1):91-107. doi: 10.1098/rsnr.2016.0042. Epub 2016 Oct 19.
The history of science has many functions. Historians should consider how their work contributes to various functions, going beyond a simple desire to understand the past correctly. There are both internal and external functions of the history of science in relation to science itself; I focus here on the internal, as they tend to be neglected these days. The internal functions can be divided into orthodox and complementary. The orthodox function is to assist with the understanding of the content and methods of science as it is now practised. The complementary function is to generate and improve scientific knowledge where current science itself fails to do so. Complementary functions of the history of science include the raising of critical awareness, and the recovery and extension of past scientific knowledge that has become forgotten or neglected. These complementary functions are illustrated with some concrete examples.
科学史具有多种功能。历史学家应思考其工作如何促进各种功能的实现，而不仅仅是出于正确理解过去的单纯愿望。科学史与科学本身相关的功能既有内部功能也有外部功能；我在此关注内部功能，因为如今它们往往被忽视。内部功能可分为正统功能和补充功能。正统功能是帮助理解当前所实践的科学的内容和方法。补充功能是在当前科学自身无法做到的情况下产生并改进科学知识。科学史的补充功能包括提高批判性意识，以及恢复和扩展已被遗忘或忽视的过去的科学知识。这些补充功能通过一些具体例子加以说明。
