Epistemology and social work: enhancing the integration of theory, practice and research through philosophical pragmatism

ABSTRACT

Debates regarding theory and practice in social work have often avoided detailed discussion regarding the nature of knowledge itself and the various ways this can be created and used to best effect. As a result, positivistic conceptions of knowledge are still assumed by many to be axiomatic, such that context-dependent and practitioner-oriented approaches to knowledge creation and use are assumed to lack epistemological rigour and credibility. By drawing on epistemology and recent empirical work by the author, this paper outlines the case for a renewed approach to knowledge definition, creation and use within social work and allied professions by reference to pragmatism. Pragmatism has the potential to act as an organising theoretical framework, taking account of the role of both ontology and epistemology, acting as a functional and integrative methodology for the further enhancement of practice-based knowledge and research activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Pragmatism
• epistemology
• social work practice
• theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributor

Dr. Steve J Hothersall is the Head of Social Work Education at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK. He is a teacher, a nurse and a qualified and registered social worker with many years’ experience in childcare/protection and mental health. His research and scholarly publications focus on social work practice with children and families, mental health, risk, social policy, research methodology and the functional application of philosophy, with a particular interest in pragmatism and the history of the philosophy of science. He is also passionate about the music of Ludwig van Beethoven.

ORCID

Steve J Hothersall http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0387-7708

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.