LAUGHTER SPREADS - ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON BOUNDARY CROSSING IN THE BENVENISTE AFFAIR

We suggest that comprehension of the nature of scientific controversy calls for analysis which extends beyond the confines of the profession al scientific community. Linking theoretical concepts of contingent an d constitutive forums with the idea of explicit and implicit rejection , we contend that the explanation for the shift between forums and mod es of rejection in the course of scientific controversy can often be f ound outside the boundaries of the scientific community. For this reas on, the interaction between the professional and lay communities and t heir respective concerns should be considered when analysing the inten sity, duration and outcome of scientific controversy.