Epistemology and social work: enhancing the integration of theory, practice and research through philosophical pragmatism

Debates regarding theory and practice in social work have often avoided detailed discussion regarding the nature of knowledge itself and the various ways this can be created and used to best effect. As a result, positivistic conceptions of knowledge are still assumed by many to be axiomatic, such that context-dependent and practitioner-oriented approaches to knowledge creation and use are assumed to lack epistemological rigour and credibility. By drawing on epistemology and recent empirical work by the author, this paper outlines the case for a renewed approach to knowledge definition, creation and use within social work and allied professions by reference to pragmatism. Pragmatism has the potential to act as an organising theoretical framework, taking account of the role of both ontology and epistemology, acting as a functional and integrative methodology for the further enhancement of practice-based knowledge and research activity.