The Cultural Evolution of Science

Abstract This chapter offers a brief review of formal models in which science is treated as a cultural evolutionary system. The models reviewed are divided into three categories. First, ‘selective’ models are considered in which scientific practices are transmitted preferentially by successful individuals. The chapter then looks at models that focus on the dynamics of scientific beliefs rather than on the methods used to produce them. Third, models tracking how social identity can impact the norms and structures of science are studied. The discussion concludes with consideration of the role of cultural evolutionary models in our understanding of science. Throughout, the discussion is connected to empirical research on the workings of science.