A Theory of the Knowledge Industry

Abstract

This article deals with the social production of knowledge in the exact sciences. After defining the term ‘exact science’, it delineates the broad dynamic of its history. It, then, offers a socio-economic historical explanation of why the production of knowledge has become a major industry, if not the largest industry, in the last hundred years. The article concludes by drawing a detailed blueprint of the components, mechanisms, and specificities of the knowledge industry.

Acknowledgements

I thank an unnamed referee of this journal for critical comments.