Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Intersections of Science, History, and Philosophy

Introduction

Welcome to the Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1939-1811
PublisherUNIV CALIFORNIA PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2008 to 2024
AbbreviationHIST STUD NAT SCI / Hist. Stud. Nat. Sci.
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address155 GRAND AVE, SUITE 400, OAKLAND, CA 94612-3758

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences' focuses on the intersection of history and the natural sciences, emphasizing how scientific knowledge and practices have evolved over time and how they have been influenced by social, political, and cultural contexts. It aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary research that examines the historical narratives that shape our understanding of the natural world.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Science History:
    The journal encourages contributions that draw from various disciplines, including history, sociology, philosophy, and anthropology, to analyze the development of scientific knowledge and practices.
  2. Cultural and Social Contexts of Science:
    Articles often explore how cultural, social, and political factors have influenced scientific developments, showcasing the interplay between science and society.
  3. Focus on Non-Western Scientific Traditions:
    There is a significant interest in examining scientific practices and traditions outside the Western context, contributing to a more global understanding of the history of science.
  4. Critical Examination of Scientific Narratives:
    The journal promotes critical perspectives on established scientific narratives, including the implications of colonialism, gender, and race in the history of science.
  5. Methodological Innovations in Historical Research:
    Research that employs innovative methodologies, such as digital humanities or interdisciplinary frameworks, is highlighted, reflecting the evolving nature of historical research.
Recent publications in 'Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences' indicate a shift towards emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal issues and interdisciplinary methodologies. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to current academic discourses and societal challenges.
  1. Environmental History and Ecological Perspectives:
    There is a growing emphasis on environmental history, exploring the interactions between humans and the natural world, reflecting contemporary concerns about ecology and sustainability.
  2. Technoscience and Its Societal Impacts:
    Research examining the implications of technoscience, including the ethical dimensions and societal impacts of scientific advancements, is increasingly prominent.
  3. Decolonization of Science History:
    A trend towards decolonizing the history of science is evident, with a focus on non-Western scientific traditions and critiques of colonial influences on scientific practices.
  4. Interrogation of Scientific Authority:
    Articles questioning the authority of scientific narratives and the politics of knowledge production are on the rise, reflecting broader debates about expertise and trust in science.
  5. Public Engagement and Science Communication:
    Emerging themes include the historical analysis of science communication and public engagement strategies, emphasizing the importance of engaging diverse audiences in scientific discourse.

Declining or Waning

While the journal maintains a diverse range of topics, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This may reflect shifting interests within the field or a response to broader academic trends.
  1. Traditional Natural History:
    There has been a noticeable decline in articles that focus exclusively on traditional natural history, as the journal shifts towards more interdisciplinary and socially engaged perspectives.
  2. Focus on Purely Scientific Discourses:
    Contributions centered solely on scientific advancements without contextual analysis are becoming less frequent, indicating a move towards integrating broader narratives.
  3. Historical Accounts of Major Scientific Figures:
    While significant figures in science remain relevant, there is a waning focus on biographical studies alone, as the journal increasingly prioritizes collective and systemic analyses.
  4. Narrowly Defined Scientific Practices:
    Research that isolates specific scientific practices without considering their broader historical implications is less common, as the journal emphasizes interconnectedness in science history.
  5. Exploration of Scientific Instruments:
    The focus on the history of scientific instruments has diminished, with less emphasis on their technical details and more on their cultural and social significance.

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