John D. Bernal: On the reconstruction of the history of science in the light of the social function of science

By the beginning of the 20th century, the discussions on the nature of science always are considered with regard to what the scientific knowledge is, to the criterion of scientific knowledge, and/or, to the problem of demarcation; and questions on the teleological cause of science or on the aims of scientific research are not taken up at all. The present study aims to consider and think furtherly on those untouched issues. In the first chapter, we discuss some major philosophers and their thoughts in the philosophy of science. Within the context of the problem of demarcation, the perspectives of some philosophers like Popper, Kuhn, Feyerabend and Lakatos are presented. In this framework, we introduce different views on demarcation between science and pseudo-science. In the second chapter of the study, the place of science in ancient, medieval and modern ages, and the relationship of science with problems of human and society are analysed in correspondence with John Desmond Bernal's views. In this context, considering what the purpose of science is from Bernal's perspective, we introduce the value and the significance of science for both human beings in particular and society in general. As a result, this study, as Bernal foresees, emphasises that science should not be destructive, but constructive, regenerative and life-saver, and the connection between science and other values of human being should never be cut off. KEY WORDS: Science, human, criterion, demarcation, society.