Philosophy, rhetoric, and the end of knowledge: the coming of science and technology studies

Abstract

Steve Fuller argues that methods used in emerging discipline of science and technology studies (STS) are potential tools for breaking down communication barriers that exist between disciplines within academy, and between academy and society. He contends that STS scholars have empirically established constructed character of academic knowledge, and he calls for all scholars to acknowledge rhetorical component of knowledge production. In this context, knowledge becomes a political entity that governs people and their effects, rather than a thing or a property. Fuller advocates and demonstrates infusion of moral and political consideration into questions that had previously been confined to epistemology and philosophy of science. Fuller calls this position epistemology, and here he offers a positive agenda of research, teaching and political action to deal with complex problems of academic knowledge today. His four case studies reveal social epistemologist engaged in delicate interdisciplinary negotiations between philosophy and psychology, sociology and cognitive science, political science and economics, and humanistic and social scientific approaches to study of science itself. He shows that these negotiations have major implications, not only for structure and function of university, but also for conduct of academics in science policy forums. In addition, Fuller challenges those sceptical of his programme, including cultural relativists in general, and Stanley Fish in particular. Finally, he includes descriptions of both a course of study and a projected utopia, to invite readers to participate in the end of knowledge.