Fakethrough: Recovering and Learning from Scientific Misconduct in Networks of Knowledge Production

AutorIn Name
Julian
Fischer
Academic writing genre
Master thesis
Status
abgeschlossen/terminé
DozentIn Name
Prof. Dr.
Debjani
Bhattacharyya
Institution
Historisches Seminar
Place
Zürich
Year
2023/2024
Abstract

Between 1998 and 2002, a young physicist quickly rose to fame. News of his breakthrough and near magical abilities spread like wildfire and promised nothing less than a revolution in computers and technology. Mere months later, an investigation concluded that many of the papers contained falsified or completely fabricated data. Investigating this case from the rise to fall of Jan Hendrik Schön to the reactions of the scientific community tells a tale of networks of knowledge production in the early 21st century, their problems and repair mechanisms. Starting with the dangers of breakthrough narratives and public imaginations of the scientific community following up with issues of peer review, charisma, and co-authorship, this thesis investigates the gaps within the system that allowed this to happen. In repairing the damage caused by scientific misconduct, networks of knowledge production discussed imaginations of science and ethics to improve the production of certifiable knowledge.

 

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