Dilemmas of the scientific production in the “society of knowledge”: the collapse of reality into empiricism and the ontological interdiction.

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discuss the relationship subject/society/knowledge and to examine how such relationship permeates the paradigms of the “society of knowledge”. The basic premise of these paradigms emphasizes empiricism and the instrumental utility of knowledge, eradicating theoretical thought and interdicting ontological cogitation. The article indicates that it is appropriate to argue about the nature of that relationship, especially because of its influence on educational research where one can notice the gradual movement that suppresses theory and makes the apology of practical competences. Trying to invert priorities, instead of asking what is the “the society of knowledge” the article examines the properties societies possess that might make them possible objects of knowledge for us. It searches in Thompson’s, Bhaskar’s and Luchács’s contributions the theoretical-methodological underpinning for the understanding of the subject.