Reconciling Knowledge and Collaborative E-Research

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to analyze the mechanisms and the philosophical background behind collaborative e-research in the perspective of defining simple and useful models that can be used in developing Web-based tools to support such activities. In its simplest form, collaboration refers to the interaction between humans. This is problematic, as the interaction between the subject and the outer world is always uncertain. To address this issue, a framework is proposed here, where metaphysics and epistemology are confronted, clearing up concepts as objectivity, subjectivity, opinions, or facts. The limits of “knowing,” of being aware of the knowledge we have, and of the possible transmission of knowledge are highlighted through comparison of science and other domains. A new vision becomes urgent and can be addressed through a “deliteralization” of knowledge grounded on “representation” since this is the projection of knowledge and the source of cultures.