MERTON, Robert

American sociologist whose reflective analysis gave rise to notions that have become features of modern intellectual life. These include ‘focus groups and their use’, ‘role models’, ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’, ‘serendipity’ and ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’. He identified the cultural norms which constitute modern science as universalism, ‘communism’, disinterestedness and organised scepticism. Perhaps these are equally key features of good moral education..

Life

• Biography of Merton
• Merton's life and work
• Merton and the norms of science

Writings·   

• The Self-fulfilling Prophecy
• Web page dedicated to the life and work of Merton with links to many writings by and about him