Purchase Solution

Applying Reason and Logic to Social organizations & concerns

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

The term Conventional knowledge or epistemology to describe all theories about knowledge from ancient times to today, except for the ancient sophists and today's postmodernists. For instance, Conventional epistemology accepts logic or pure reason, as the last word on any intelligent discussion, while postmodernists reject it as decisive (as they reject anything else as decisive or "absolutely reliable"). The Conventional epistemology of Rationalism is the first dq here:

Question: Does business or organizational world rely absolutely on reason and logic? What would happen, for instance, if you gave opposite statements, opposite instructions, or opposite assessments? Give example(s), either true or typical. Is it possible to rely and insist on being logical and consistent, while at the same time not being dogmatic in the ways that postmodernists criticize?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The solution is a 1,247-word narrative that discusses epistemological concepts especially those that purport to establish the truth. Reason & logic is discussed in their application as standard basis for establishment of validity and truth in organizations like businesses. Postmodernist's criticism of this measure is also discussed especially the problem of logic application and consistency despite the inapplicability of the measure according to the needs of the situation. Postmodern thought is further enhanced via a sample application in a modern case to show that consistency and logic is still possible even as postmodern perspectives are applied. A word version of the solution is attached for easy printing, references are listed for further expansion. Philosophies discussed include rationalism, modernism, post modernism and critical rationalism.

Solution Preview

Dear Student,
Hello and thank you once again for using Brainmass. The solution below should get you started. You should also review your current materials to ensure that the concepts and ideas you reiterate in your answers are in line with them. Good luck!

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Reason, Logic & Postmodernism

Conventional epistemology is limited via the bounds of reason, of logic. The present standard that we put ideas and claims through is science - we validate via processes that allow us to check the 'truth' about a claim. The scientific process allows us, at least in the natural sciences, to establish 'laws' that have universal application. This however requires all the variables to be known, everything must be accounted for. Via this, for example, physicists, chemists, mathematicians and biologists can run tests and experiments to find out about the physical world, about how nature works. Epistemology seeks to interrogate the nature of knowledge, how it is acquired and what it is that we have so far acquired/known about our reality, our lives, and our world. From the time of Aristotle to the present, man has amassed a body of knowledge spanning varied disciplines and varied concerns. We have also come to know that while it is possible to acquire all variables in studies about the physical world, about nature, this is not so when we study ourselves, when we investigate society to find out how it works. The social sciences are different from the natural sciences in that it accepts that we can only acquire verisimilitic knowledge - truth in context. The social scientists have learned that it impossible to arrive at universal laws and theories about human beings and society. There is that subject-object problem ever-present - a social scientist cannot study himself and the world he moves in without bias, without coming into it from a particular perspective brought about by his socialization, his culture. All the variables in an open system like the social ...

Solution provided by:
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
Recent Feedback
  • "Thank you!:)"
  • "Excellent, thank you!:)"
  • "Thank you for your timely help. I have submitted another posting (656038) and assigned it directly to you. Please help."
  • "Thank you so much for your timely help. Much appreciated."
  • "Thanks so much for your support."
Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Operations Management

This quiz tests a student's knowledge about Operations Management

Situational Leadership

This quiz will help you better understand Situational Leadership and its theories.

Cost Concepts: Analyzing Costs in Managerial Accounting

This quiz gives students the opportunity to assess their knowledge of cost concepts used in managerial accounting such as opportunity costs, marginal costs, relevant costs and the benefits and relationships that derive from them.

IPOs

This Quiz is compiled of questions that pertain to IPOs (Initial Public Offerings)

Social Media: Pinterest

This quiz introduces basic concepts of Pinterest social media