Reconstructing the Process of Scientific Knowledge Production

In Günther Fleck’s lecture, a systems approach is presented that brings together the main elements involved in the process of producing scientific knowledge. The individual main elements that are subjected to an analysis are the researching subject, the object to be researched, the nature of the interaction between the two, and the context in which this interaction takes place.

First, the characteristics of the researching subject are discussed with reference to the mental infrastructure of scientific thinking, which every scientist inevitably possesses. Then the characteristics of the object to be researched are outlined with regard to an appropriate method of investigation.

This is followed by a discussion of how the research method is applied. This is always embedded in a relationship that the researcher builds up with the object. The quality of the relationship established has been shown to influence the research result, especially in the humanities and social sciences, where the human being itself becomes the object of research. Depending on the scientific discipline, observation is an integral part of the relationship. The close interconnection between the design of the relationship and observation, as well as the interpretation of the data obtained, is illustrated in detail.

Finally, the context in which the process of scientific knowledge acquisition takes place is discussed. In doing so, both institutional aspects and those of interdisciplinary research are outlined.

BIO

Günther Fleck, Dr. phil. (University of Salzburg, AT), Clinical and Health Psychologist. Cognitive Science Research Group, Science Commission at the Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, AT.