A Discourse on the Sciences

Abstract

The epistemological crisis of modern science, conceived as a final crisis, is discussed in terms of a paradigmatic transition. Though the exact configuration of the emergent paradigm is unknown, the emphasis seems to be shifting towards a prudent knowledge for a decent life. Four topics are discussed: (1) as the distinction between nature and society breaks down, there will be a supercession of the dichotomy between the natural and the social sciences under the aegis of the later; (2) the emergent form of knowledge reconstitutes local cognitive projects and converts them into illustrated total knowledge: knowledge is thus both local and total; (3) because, paraphrasing Clausewitz, the object is the continuation of the subject by other means, all knowledge must be understood as self-knowledge; (4) finally, all scientific knowledge aims at becoming an enlightened common sense, which is the precondition of any emancipatory praxis.