Post Modernity and Creation of Knowledge

Jesus Maria Sousa 
(Research Centre in Education, University of Madeira, Portugal)

Abstract: This paper aims at reflecting on the role that we are expected to play as a unit of research in education. Starting from the initial definition of knowledge and the confrontation of rationalist and empiricist positions on how to access to it, the paper seeks to work on the understanding of knowledge originated from the scientific revolution of the sixteenth century, in order to merge in the current context of postmodern paradigm shift and bring out what we are expected to do with. What is the main purpose of research? Is it used to draw the same conclusions previously found out? Is it used for the reproduction, confirmation and dissemination of knowledge already created? Or for the formation of a knowledge that brings something new, that really contributes to the improvement of education?

Key words: knowledge, paradigm of complexity, post modernity