Gaining Knowledge about Extranet Technology - An Epistemological Journey

摘要

We are currently facing an epistemological crisis. The question "what is knowledge?", that means the legitimacy and validity of knowledge claims, is at the centre of it. It is argued that, in order to overcome this crisis, researchers have to question traditional boundaries. A research example is given where an epistemological journey starting from positivism over transcendental realism toward post-postmodern actor network theory was taken. While actor network theory with its focus on irreductionism and relationality is far away from the positivist starting point, conventional argumentation about incommensurability of these approaches is countered by the modest philosophical standpoint that all approaches have their limits and all studies need the interpretation of the researcher as well as the research community. The concept of triangulation requires a certain level of incommensurability, but incommensurability is not the decisive aspect. It is understandibility. The differently formulated research questions, units of analysis and methodologies need linking points, overlaps or interfaces. It is argued that the presented research example fulfils such criteria. The described epistemological journey may be typical for post-postmodern researchers of the 21st century. It requires a broadness of research skills and a depth of philosophical understanding.