Discourse Quote by Jean-Francois Lyotard
“Scientific knowledge is a kind of discourse.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Postmodern Condition, 1979
Scientific knowledge is presented as a conversation shaped by social, cultural, and institutional forces rather than a pure reflection of nature.
In simple terms: Science is a social dialogue.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the social context of scientific claims.
Themes
epistemology
social constructivism
modernity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- public communication of science
- education curricula
Key Concepts
discourse analysis
power relations
knowledge production
Questions to Reflect On
- How do power dynamics shape scientific consensus?
- What responsibilities do scientists have in framing their findings?
A Different Perspective
It may underplay the role of empirical evidence in favor of narrative.
![“It [knowledge] is clearly related to information, which we can now measure; and an economist especially is tempted to regard knowledge as a kind of capital structure, corresponding to information as an income flow. Knowledge, that is to say, is some kind of improbable structure or stock made up…” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e68/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_arrangements_it-knowledge-is-clearly-related-to-infor_3219270.jpg)
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
