Hjorland B. "Arguments for philosophical realism in library and information science" LIBRARY TRENDS 52 (3): 488-506 WIN 2004

[Eugene Garfield]

Title: Arguments for philosophical realism in library and information
       science

Author(s): Hjorland B

Source: LIBRARY TRENDS 52 (3): 488-506 WIN 2004

Document Type: Article Language: English Cited References: 44 Times Cited: 0


Abstract: THE BASIC REALIST CLAIM IS THAT A MIND-INDEPENDENT reality exists.
It should be common sense knowledge to accept this claim,just as any
theories that try to deny it soon become inconsistent because reality
strikes back. In spite of this, antirealist philosophies flourish, not only
in philosophy but also in the behavioral and cognitive sciences and in
information science. This is highly problematic because it removes the
attention from reality to subjective phenomena with no real explanatory
power. Realism should not be confused with the view that all scientific
claims are true or with any other kind of naivete concerning knowledge
claims. The opposite of realism may be termed antirealism, idealism, or
nominalism. Although many people confuse empiricism and positivism with
realism, these traditions are by nature strongly antirealist, which is why a
sharp distinction should be made between empiricism and realism. Empirical
research should not be founded on assumptions about "the given" of
observations, but should recognize the theory-laden nature of observations.
Domain analysis represents an attempt to reintroduce a realist perspective
in library and information science. A realist conception of relevance,
information seeking, information retrieval, and knowledge organization is
outlined. Information systems of all kinds, including research libraries and
public libraries, should be informed by a realist philosophy and a realist
information science.

KeyWords Plus: DOMAIN-ANALYSIS; RELEVANCE

Addresses: Hjorland B (reprint author), Royal Sch Lib & Informat Sci, 6
Birketinget, Copenhagen, DK-2300 S Denmark
Royal Sch Lib & Informat Sci, Copenhagen, DK-2300 S Denmark

Publisher: GSLIS PUBLICATIONS, 501 E DANIEL ST, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61820-6211 USA

Subject Category: INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE
IDS Number: 823FQ
ISSN: 0024-2594



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