Einstein, Heisenberg, Kant: methodological distinction and conditions of possibilities

Abstract

The concepts of objectivity and causality, as they are used in general in IS research, and in particular in critical realism, are no longer valid in Physics. Therefore, IS research should consider the “copernician revolution” that happened in Physics and in other sciences. Bhor, Heisenberg and Einstein themselves refer to Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. The two fundamental concepts are therefore no more objectivity and causality, but the “methodological distinction” and the “conditions of possibilities”. This kantian framework, commonly used by other human and social sciences, like sociology or history, indicates a way for an epistemological pluralism in IS research.