Ludwik Fleck and the Historiography of Science: The Theory of Thought Styles and Thought Collectives at the Centennial Call for Contributions
A new book in the Springer Series on the Studies of History and Philosophy of Science seeks
proposals for chapters.
Title: Ludwik Fleck and the Historiography of Science:
The Theory of Thought Styles and Thought Collectives at the Centennial
Guest Editors: Mauro L. Condé (Federal University of Minas Gerais – Brazil), Paweł Jarnicki
(National Ossoliński Institute – Poland)
Springer Book Series: https://link.springer.com/series/5671
Bruno Latour (2006, 251) characterized Ludwik Fleck’s opus magnum as a kind of ‘white
whale’ book—much like Moby-Dick—that periodically surfaces and submerges: lingering at
times in the depths, only to reemerge and receive the recognition it rightfully deserves. This
cycle of immersion and emergence highlights that, despite adverse social, political, and
epistemological conditions, Fleck’s work invariably resurfaces. Despite prolonged periods
out of sight, the vitality and originality of the ideas expressed in Genesis and Development of
a Scientific Fact (originally Entstehung und Entwicklung einer wissenschaftlichen Tatsache,
1935) persist in asserting their place within the historiography of science. As we approach the
centenary of the “genesis and development” of Fleck’s ideas, this volume’s central aim is not
merely to commemorate that milestone. Rather, it seeks to re-evaluate the enduring impact
of Fleck’s thought on the history and philosophy of science (also the sociology of science or
STS) over the past century, and to further explore the profound and still under-explored
dimensions of his work.
In 2027, it will be 100 years since Ludwik Fleck published his first article, “Some Specific
Features of the Medical Way of Thinking” (originally “O niektórych swoistych cechach
myślenia lekarskiego”, 1927). This article was the first attempt to articulate a theory that
would later take shape and reach its fullest expression in his seminal book, Genesis and
Development of a Scientific Fact, published in Basel 90 years ago.
As Fleck’s theory of thought styles and thought collectives approaches its centenary, it
invites renewed reflection on an approach that extends beyond the traditional philosophy of
science. It is an opportune moment to look back and assess the reception and influence of
Fleck’s ideas within the historiography of science. Looking to the future, it is equally
important to consider how Fleck’s perspective could shed light on the challenges and
conceptual shifts currently facing science.
We invite contributions that address the following themes, among others:
- Underexplored Aspects of Fleck’s Theory
Elements of Fleck’s conceptual framework that have not been fully examined or
utilized in subsequent studies of science, such as the dynamics within thought
collectives or the mechanisms of resistance to new facts.
- Fleck’s Influence on Later Conceptions of Science
An analysis of Fleck’s direct and indirect impact on subsequent developments in the
philosophy and sociology of science, and of how his ideas anticipated or shaped
subsequent theories.
- Reception History Beyond the Major Languages
A critical review of how Fleck’s work has been received and interpreted in scholarly
communities outside Anglophone, German-speaking, and Polish contexts, and why it
has sometimes been overlooked.
- Extending Fleck: Additions and Innovative Applications
Proposals for theoretical extensions or reinterpretations of Fleck’s work, as well as
novel applications in areas such as digital epistemology, interdisciplinary research, or
contemporary scientific controversies.
- Thematic Continuities: Fleck and Related Ideas
Exploration of original or related themes, such as normativity in science, epistemic
communities, or medical epistemology, that resonate with or evolve from Fleck’s
thinking.
- Fleck in Dialogue: Comparative Studies with Other Thinkers
Comparative analyses of Fleck’s work in relation to figures such as Thomas Kuhn and
members of the Vienna Circle, as well as other contemporaries in the history and
philosophy of science.
- Fleck in Context: Life, Work, and Intellectual Milieu
Investigations into his biography, the historical context in which he worked, and the
scientific environment, and how these factors influenced his theoretical
contributions.
What We Are Looking For
This volume aims to continue the century-long tradition of reading and rereading Ludwik
Fleck’s work. We aim to create a book that appeals to two audiences: specialists who want
to explore Fleck’s work with new questions, and newcomers who are looking for an
accessible introduction to his rich intellectual legacy.
Focus and Scope
- Historiographic Essays, Not Surveys:
We are looking for analytically driven essays that engage with Fleck’s work rather
than merely describing it. Conventional literature reviews or purely expository
summaries will not be considered. We welcome chapters that use Fleck’s concepts
to shed light on specific historical cases, methodological debates, or contemporary
scientific issues. For example, a great contribution would be to apply Fleck's theory
to describe the development of mathematics or natural sciences.
- Multiple Perspectives Encouraged:
Essays may approach Fleck’s ideas from any disciplinary angle, including the history
of science, sociology, philosophy, social studies of science (STS), medical humanities,
and related fields. Comparative pieces (e.g., Fleck versus Kuhn or the Vienna Circle)
and context-rich studies of his life and milieu are equally welcome.
- Accessibility and Expertise:
While scholarly rigor is imperative, authors should also consider the needs of readers
at the graduate level who may be encountering Fleck for the first time. Clear
explanations of key terms (e.g., thought collective, thought style) are encouraged
where relevant.
We kindly request that prospective contributors submit a chapter proposal (up to 2,000
characters) before sending the full manuscript.
Language: English (British or American)
Chapter length: The contributions should be no more than 10,000 words, including
bibliographic references (and if the case, pictures, tables and illustrations).
DEADLINES
- Abstract–proposal for the peer-reviewed submission: 2025, October 31st [Title, Name, Affiliation, E-mail, Keywords, Abstract; maximum length 2,000 characters].
Please send to mauroconde@ufmg.br and pawel.jarnicki@ossolineum.pl
- Selection of chapter proposals: 2025, November 30th
- Full (edited) paper submission: 2026, August 30th
- Peer-review evaluation processes: 2026, September – 2026, December
- Publication: Expected 2027 (1927-2027: The Theory of Thought Style and Thought collectives at the Centennial)
For any further information concerning this Call for Contribution, please contact:
Mauro L. Condé – Federal University of Minas Gerais – UFMG
E-mail: mauroconde@ufmg.br
Paweł Jarnicki – National Ossoliński Institute
E-mail: pawel.jarnicki@ossolineum.pl
For any further information concerning the Springer Series on the Studies of History and
Philosophy of Science, please contact:
Christopher Wilby
E-mail: chris.wilby@springer.com
Charles Wolfe
E-mail: ctwolfe1@gmail.com
References
Latour, Bruno. Transmettre la Syphilis. Partager l’objectivité. In Fleck, Ludwik. (1935/2008)
Genèse et développement d’un fait scientifique. Paris: Flammarion, pp. 251-260.
Fleck, Ludwik. (1927/1986) Some Specific Features of the Medical Way of Thinking. In Cohen,
Robert and Schnelle, Thomas (Ed.) cognition and fact: Materials on Ludwik Fleck.
Dordrecht: Reidel.
Fleck, Ludwik. (1935/1979) Genesis and Development of a Scientific Fact. Chicago: University of
Chicago Press.
Fleck, Ludwik. (1935/1980) Entstehung und Entwicklung einer wissenschaftlichen Tatsache.
Frankfurt am Main: Suhramp.
