“Digital legitimation” of scientific knowledge: to articulation of the problem

Manifestation of the new methods of scientific research based on computational processing of high volumes of data (experimental, statistical, secondary information, etc.) led to broadening of the methods of scientific cognition, as well as to changes in the processes of legitimation of new knowledge. The article examines separate aspects of the indicated changes, and raises a question on the need for more accurate and systematic monitoring and analysis over the processes of changing the mechanisms of legitimation of scientific knowledge, obtained within the framework of “science based on big data”. The conclusion is made that in the context of the Fourth Paradigm (Data-Intensive Science) is being formed the fourth strategy for legitimation of scientific knowledge – “digital legitimation”. The knowledge generated by data-intensive science is legitimized virtually by complexity and scale of technologies used for its acquisition. The author underlines the need for thorough analysis of the “digital” type of legitimation due to the fact that the expansion of digital method for production of scientific results bears a number of risks. Particularly, alongside with accumulation of inaccuracies and deterioration in the quality of scientific examination, most severe risks consist in possibility of science being caught into the institutional development traps, as well as in exacerbation of the existing systemic crisis.