[The end of cognition? Science and technology studies challenge the concept of the cognising agent]

Hist Cienc Saude Manguinhos. 1995;2(3):105-33.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

The concept of 'cognition' is central to a wide literature in social science and philosophy where a key assumption conceptualises the central unit of analysis as a cognising agent. However, recent developments in Science and Technology Studies (STS) question this assumption and suggest the basis for its modification. The paper describes and evaluates these developments. It examines critiques for the "received view" of science and suggests that nothing less than a full scale analytic inversion is needed adequately to confront entrenched conceptions about cognition. It surveys progressive attempts to achieve symmetry in STS. It then considers three sets of key assumptions about agency: 1. what is the agent doing?; 2. what is the nature of the agent?; and 3. why should human agents have the monopoly on human attributes?

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Cognition* / classification
  • Cognition* / physiology
  • History, 20th Century
  • Philosophy* / history
  • Science / history
  • Science / methods
  • Science / trends
  • Social Sciences* / history
  • Social Sciences* / methods
  • Social Sciences* / trends