The sociology of science is a field that examines how social factors influence the development and practice of scientific knowledge. It explores the relationships between scientists, their communities, and the broader society, focusing on how cultural, political, and economic contexts shape scientific research and its acceptance. This discipline also investigates the social processes involved in the production of scientific knowledge, including collaboration, competition, and the role of institutions. By studying the interactions among scientists, funding agencies, and the public, the sociology of science helps to understand how scientific facts are constructed and validated within society.