A reflection on knowledge and the scientific status of Administration

Abstract

This theoretical essay aims to reflect on knowledge and discuss the scientific status in Administration, which is often criticized. For this second objective, arguments based on studies by three important philosophers of science are presented: Karl Popper, Thomas Kuhn, and Irme Lakatos. The scope of the essay is divided into three parts, which seek to reflect, respectively: 1) how knowledge is possible, indicating how science gained prominence while the hegemonic paradigm of modern science invalidated other knowledge; 2) the consequences of underestimating other knowledge, the contribution of common sense in the production of more democratic knowledge and the need to look critically at the epistemological statute imposed by the status quo in the production of knowledge, which disqualifies the knowledge produced by the human science; 3) the scientific validity of Administration, based on the contributions of Popper, Kuhn, and Lakatos. It is concluded that it is necessary to achieve accessible knowledge produced at the service of all and that Administration is an area that aims to solve the problems inherent to its object of study, as well as to increase knowledge about it and its scientific character and its importance in understanding the different nuances and challenges encountered in society.