Shifting from abstract theories of reality to the study of specific practices
In short: In a discussion on the study of science and technology, researchers identified a tension between using broad philosophical theories of existence and conducting specific historical studies. While general theories often assume a fixed view of how things are different or identical, empirical studies focus on how these identities are negotiated in real-world settings. The author proposes 'ontography' to bridge this gap.
The author argues that relying on a pre-set philosophical framework can obscure the unique ways specific practices create and sustain their own versions of the world. By using 'ontography'—historical and ethnographic investigations—researchers can study how identities are instantiated in specific circumstances without assuming a universal picture of reality first.
This theoretical discussion focuses on methodological frameworks rather than presenting a specific empirical dataset.
Why it matters: Studying how specific practices shape reality is more effective than applying broad, pre-set philosophical theories.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Lynch (2013). Ontography: Investigating the production of things, deflating ontology. Social Studies of Science.
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