The Structural Change of Knowledge and the Future of the Social Sciences

This insightful book explores the need for greater collaboration in social sciences, emphasizing the importance of breaking down barriers between disciplines.

This book aims to address the barriers that exist both between and within social science disciplines, as well as to challenge the unnecessary divisions created by the rise of various 'schools of thought'. Originally published as a special issue of a notable journal, it serves as a comprehensive exploration of pragmatism in the social sciences. The authors argue that the future of social sciences hinges on a collective understanding of society, which must be informed by the insights of multiple disciplines and must transcend the increasingly rigid borders between scientific knowledge and other forms of understanding.

In examining the evolution of social science traditions, The Structural Change of Knowledge and the Future of the Social Sciences underscores that the need for a paradigm shift is not a novel concept. The specialization of sciences over the past two centuries has led to the fragmentation of knowledge, particularly evident in the separation of the humanities and social sciences in the nineteenth century. The twentieth century further exacerbated this issue with heightened specialization within disciplines, resulting in competing schools of thought that often mistrust one another.

The book emphasizes that to foster a productive future for the social sciences, it is essential to dismantle these barriers, both inter- and intra-disciplinarily. By promoting collaboration and understanding among various fields, The Structural Change of Knowledge and the Future of the Social Sciences advocates for a more integrated approach to knowledge that can better address the complexities of society today.