Abstract

The present article seeks to recover the notion of scientific observation in Ludwik Fleck's epistemological theory. Through the analysis of this concept, as well as others such as styles of thought and thought collectives, the aim is to describe the socio-historical foundations present in Fleck's perspective to understand the evolution of scientific thought beyond the traditional elements of classical realism. The study of historical and cultural aspects in the formation of thought styles allows an approach to scientific work not from an abstract perspective distant from social conditions, but from within the collectives and their knowledge production dynamics. Fleck's proposal relates to contemporary theories and currents of the sociology of science and the epistemology of the social sciences; therefore, reviewing his thought broadens the scope of application of a socio-historical epistemology.