Panton, James; (2000) The social construction of reality: A philosophical analysis of the insights and limitations of the 'social constructionist' theory of knowledge. Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis is a critique of the social constructionist theory of knowledge. Part One provides a definition of social constructionism in which its three fundamental premises are isolated. These premises are drawn from consideration of the historical concept of man qua homo faber, and a consideration of the theories of sociologist Mary McIntosh and philosopher Michel Foucualt on the construction of homosexuality. Part Two then interrogates the ontological implications of social constructionism through a critique of Hilary Putnam's thesis of 'internal realism'. I argue that the assumption of an external world is essential if we are to 'make sense' of our social interactions. Part Three interrogates the insights and limitations of the social constructionist theory of knowledge through its capacity to explain the historical transition from Ptolemean to Copernican astronomy. This discussion draws on the theoretical insights of Thomas Kuhn and W. V. O. Quine. Finally, Part Four draws a contrast between classical empiricist and social constructionist theories of knowledge. I argue that each theory reveals a partial truth, and that such partiality is result of their equally limited understanding of the relation of the individual to the social world. Finally, I draw a sketch of what a more complete theory of knowledge would be.

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