Abstract: Ends with an attempt to construct a formal model of knowledge for scientists working together in a community of inquiry. It is shown how the questions of social epistemology can be conceived in terms of optimal strategies for the attainment of the goals of science, and how particular social schemes for organizing research approximate the optimal results. Specific problems considered include those of the division of cognitive labour and of the role of authority in scientific research.

Keywords: authority, scientific research, social epistemology,