Research as Response

Abstract

In this article research is viewed as a response to a questioning from outside. Knowledge develops in steps, each step understood as a response to the questioning of the previous step. Today’s research is a conglomerate of responses to the questioning of yesterday’s research. Under the current conditions the questioning of knowledge and research is more directed towards the individual than before. The researcher is challenged to answer the questioning directed to his or her research. From this it is argued that the ability of the researcher to respond implies a responsibility. The content of this responsibility depends on the discourse in question. In business management the responsibility implies going into the discourse of corporate social responsibility. In social work it implies to address the question of a best possible use of resources. This question, however, cannot be answered by others. It has to be based on the language of the practitioners themselves.