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

• Published in: European journal of social work Vol. 22; no. 5; pp. 860 - 870
• Main Author: Hothersall, Steve J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Routledge 03.09.2019; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Credibility; Epistemology; Knowledge; Pragmatism; Professional practice; Rigour; Social research; Social work; social work practice; theory

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 th...