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The Strong Programme

By ChristinaKaesberg

  • Childhood

    Childhood
    David Bloor was born on June 28, 1942 in Derby, England, United Kingdom.

  • University of Keele

    University of Keele
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    Further Education

    During his days at the University of Keele, Bloor focused on mathematics and philosophy.
    This led him to study at the University of Cambridge, in 1965, focusing on experimental psychology and obtaining his degree.

  • University of Cambridge

    University of Cambridge
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    Establishing His Views

    After years of studying, he earned his PhD with a thesis on "Speech and the Regulation of Behaviour." Bloor had noticed a pattern in sociologists that he defined as the "weak programme". "Sociologists can explain failures but not success. They can explain error but not knowledge. That's what I called the 'weak programme'." (Bloor, 2010)

  • First Achievement

    First Achievement
    In 1976, Bloor published the first edition of his book "Knowledge and Social Imagery".
    He argued his stance on the Strong Programme and the four tenets; causal, impartial, symmetrical, and reflexive.
    Causal explains how there are more than just social causes.
    Impartial brings in Popper and Kuhn logic through separating self from flaws in society and culture.
    Symmetrical is being able to prove success and failure.
    Reflexive is used to ensure it is actually a part of sociology.

  • The Strong Programme

    The Strong Programme
    To clear up any confusion, Bloor took the opportunity to come out with a second edition on "Knowledge and Social Imagery".
    "The Strong programme says the sociologist has a role to play in understanding not just deviations from rationality but what we called rationality itself. Good science as well as bad science." (Bloor, 2010)

  • Wittgenstein, Rules and Institutions

    Wittgenstein, Rules and Institutions
    Bloor published his book "Wittgenstein, Rules and Institutions" in 1997, establishing his thoughts on individualism and collectivism. He states he Wittgenstein "did not succeed in refuting individualism." (Bloor, 1997) He concludes to say his effort in this book is to make good the deficit of Wittgenstein's character limit of knowledge.

  • David Bloor Today

    David Bloor Today
    At 80 years old, David Bloor has established himself as a sociologist by teaching his Strong Programme and being a Professor at the University of Edinburgh; formerly the Director of Science Studies.
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    Bibliography

    1. Li, Zheng-Feng, et al. “Go Strong or Go Home: An Interview with David Bloor.” Taylor & Francis Online, East Asian Science, Technology and Society: An International Journal, 1 Oct. 2020.
    2. Bloor, David. “Wiggenstein, Rules and Institutions.”
      ProQuest: Ebook Central, Taylor & Francis Group, 22 July 1997.
    3. Fuller, Steve. “Critical Notice: David Bloor's Knowledge and Social Imagery.” JSTOR, The University of Chicago Press on Behalf of the Philosophy of Science Association, Feb. 1992.