History and Sociology of Science During the Crisis and Transitional Periods of Social Development

Introduction. During critical or crisis periods of social development, the need to search for forms of interactionbetween science and society, to solve problems in organizing research activities and researcher individual work, and to identify scientifi c problem to be solved for overcoming social challenges becomes especially relevant. It is reasonable to use the heuristic possibilities of studies in history and sociology of science and the experience gained.Problem Statement. Rethinking the subject areas and tasks of the history and sociology of science, which arepro posed to be considered not only a historical description of the impact of social processes on the development ofscience, or science on society, but also knowledge that allows identifying the mechanisms for enhancing the de velopment of science and society through mutual understanding, inclusive and sustainable growth, innovation culture.Purpose. To defi ne the heuristic potential of history and sociology of science for fi nding ways to overcomethe challenges related to interaction between science and society during crises associated with the practice basedapproach of modern science; urgent problems of researcher professional activity; social aspects of the projectmethod of organizing scholarly research; issues of science communication with society and government in timesof pandemic and war.Material and Methods. The research is based on the comprehensive use of general scientifi c principles ofhistoricism, objectivity, reliability, integrity, systematic approach, and representativeness.Results. It has been substantiated that studying history and sociology of science enables identifying problemsand mechanisms of enhancing the development of science and society through mutual understanding, inclusiveand sustainable growth.Conclusions. For the successful innovation-driven development of Ukraine’s economy it is necessary to focusprimarily on developing the innovation culture of society and implementing science-centric government policy. Thesocial and humanitarian sphere should become one of the priority areas of innovation in Ukraine.