Distinguish between Internal and External History of Science.

Internal and external history of science are two approaches to studying the development of scientific knowledge, each focusing on different aspects of the scientific enterprise.

Internal History of Science:
Internal history of science is an approach that examines the evolution of scientific ideas, theories, and methods from within the scientific community. It involves a detailed analysis of the intellectual processes, conceptual shifts, and methodological changes that occur within the scientific discipline. This approach explores the internal dynamics of scientific communities, the debates among scientists, and the ways in which scientific paradigms change over time. Internal history delves into the content of scientific theories, the motivations of scientists, and the internal logic that governs the development of scientific knowledge. Scholars engaging in internal history seek to understand the intricate details of scientific revolutions, the emergence of new theories, and the internal criteria for evaluating scientific success or failure.

External History of Science:
External history of science, in contrast, focuses on the external factors that influence the development of science, considering social, political, economic, and cultural contexts. This approach examines how broader societal forces, institutions, funding, public attitudes, and technological advancements shape the course of scientific inquiry. External history addresses questions about the relationships between science and society, the impact of political ideologies on scientific research, and the role of institutions in facilitating or hindering scientific progress. It takes into account the broader cultural milieu in which science operates and explores how science, in turn, influences and is influenced by its external environment.

Distinguishing Factors:
While internal history emphasizes the internal dynamics of scientific change, external history highlights the contextual factors surrounding scientific activities. Internal history is concerned with the intellectual content and evolution of scientific ideas, often employing philosophical and methodological analyses. External history, on the other hand, adopts a more interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from sociology, political science, and cultural studies to understand the broader social and contextual dimensions of scientific development.

In summary, internal and external history of science offer complementary perspectives, with internal history focusing on the intellectual evolution within the scientific community and external history examining the contextual factors that shape and are shaped by scientific endeavors. Both approaches contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between science and its broader societal context.