Constructivism and Practice: Toward a Historical Epistemology

Over the past several decades, philosophers have grown to recognize the role played by frameworks and models in the construction of human knowledge. Further, they have paid increasing attention to the origins of knowing processes in social and historical contexts of human practical activities, and to social transformation of the frameworks over time. In a series of original essays by prominent philosophers, Constructivism and Practice advances the understanding of the role of construction and model creation, reflects on the relationship of these models to social practices, and considers whether our modes of knowing themselves have a history. These questions are thoughtfully considered in the light of the 'historical epistemology' first developed by Marx Wartofsky.

Constructivism and Practice advances the understanding of the role of construction and model creation and reflects on the relationship of these models to social practices.

Carol C. Gould is professor of philosophy at the Stevens Institute of Technology and adjunct professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University.