Contextual empiricism is a theory about validating scientific knowledge. It is the view that scientific knowledge is shaped by contextual values as well as constitutive ones. The contextual values of science stem from « the social and cultural environment in which science is done » while constitutive values determine « what constitutes acceptable scientific practice or scientific method. » Contextual values can determine for example the research topic one chose to study.
See also Scientific theory Helen Longino
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