This essay introduces a new analytical category of scientific actors: the methodologists. These actors are distinguished by their tendency to continue to probing scientific objects that their peers consider to be settled. The methodologists are a useful category of actors for science and technology studies (STS) scholars to follow because they reveal contingencies and uncertainties in taken-for-granted science. Identifying methodologists is useful for STS analysts seeking a way into science in moments when it is no longer “in the making” or there is little active controversy. Studying methodologists is also useful for scholars seeking to understand the genesis of scientific controversies, particularly controversies about long-established methods, facts, or premises.

中文翻译：

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方法论者：独特的科学参与者类别

本文介绍了科学行为者的新分析类别：方法学家。这些行为者的特征是，他们倾向于继续探索同行认为已经解决的科学对象。方法学家是科学和技术研究（STS）学者可以遵循的有用角色类别，因为他们揭示了理所当然的科学中的偶然性和不确定性。确定方法论者对于STS分析师在不再“在制造中”或几乎没有活跃争议时寻求进入科学之路很有用。研究方法学家对于寻求了解科学争论（尤其是关于悠久的方法，事实或前提的争论）的学者也很有用。