Hello all
Sorry about the delay in responding but I was out of the office for a few
days - and it has taken an age to read
all the messages. This response is off the top of my head as I do not have
all relevent texts here to refer to - but I really wanted to contribute to
this so will post references asap.
I have found the issue of epistemology fascinating as often there does not
appear to be agreement about it's meaning, yes most authors seem to agree
about the fact that it is a representation / measurement of knowledge, but
beyond this the line becomes somewhat fuzzy between epistem. , ontology and
theorectical perspective. This is explained (I think) by a comparison of
the work of Jennifer Mason, who states that any research should begin with
establihing ontology, then epistem. then method...and Michael Crotty, who
dismisses the impact of ontology on develpment of epistemolgy in a few
brief paragaphs, stating that refernce to ontology can confuse rather than
assist the researcher.
Perhaps within disability studies it is useful to turn to Priestley and
Stone's article 'Parasites, Pawns and Pertners' (1996?). This was written
when they were in the early stages of their respective PhD projects and
explains clearly the challenges and difficulties faced in establishing an
epistemology. Their attention to adopting a social model and an
emancipatroy approach as the epistem. seems fundamental in establishing the
foundations of research within disability studies.
I agree with Dan Goodley's reference to the social model being an
epistemology in it's own right, perhaps this should really become the basis
for any research, alongside emancipation, with the other epistem's.. being
used as the 'seasoning' (ie the social model being the meat & veg). (sorry
my mind operates around food!!!)
It seems that hermeneutics has much to offer although I am still 'up that
path' so to speak so have not reached any definate conclusions. On another
track Nancy Mandell has some interesting experiences and comments on the
use of Meadian based epistem's... particularly in researching childhood
sociology - I wonder if some of her views could contribute to disablity
studies? Has anyone got any views on this.
So in a rambling way this roughly reflects where I'm at and i realise that
I have a long way to go... I am enjoying reading everyone elses views!!
As an aside, has anyone ever wondered about the notes/quotes/statements
people sometimes post after their signature/address on the mailbase. I
find it fascinating as in general it is not common to do this in any other
form of correspodence. I really enjoy reading what people choose to
identify with. Why is this, has it ever been studied?
Alison Cocks
PhD Student
University of Surrey
[log in to unmask]
"thinking of a snappy statement"!
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