Science as a second-order observer: proposing a Reference Influence Factor

摘要

This article focuses on certain aspects of the evaluation methods for the scientific publications and especially on the influence of those publications. We argue that positive or negative appraisal of the "impact factor" for scientific publications cannot be judged properly out of the systemic context of the contemporary scientific problematic and relevant practices. Thus we comment on these practices under a systemic scope, focusing on critical issues of observing science and scientific results presented, in comparison with the problems arising from concepts such as "truism" or "validation". In this process we decompose the major preconceptions of contemporary validation of scientists and scientific profiles interconnected with "impact factors" referring to scientific publications. Finally we propose a new innovative approach very different from the "impact factor". We call it "reference influence factor" (R.I.F.), and we believe it imprints more accurate the influence imposed on scientists by preceding publications on the topics they are concerned.