Interpretivism in Information Systems: A Postmodern Epistemology?

This paper investigates the relationship between postmodernism, epistemology and interpretivism. The paper\u27s objective is to show that the interpretivist research paradigm shows very clear postmodernist traits. After defining the three concepts the paper attempts to answer two research questions, namely whether interpretivism may be regarded as an epistemology and whether it is a typical postmodern approach to Information Systems science and research. The paper is conceptual, using a philosophical-logical approach

Europe, Continental Philosophy and the Philosophy of Education

On what might a comparative discussion of philosophy of education that takes Europe as one of its terms be based? This paper begins by addressing the complexity that attaches to the name ‘Europe’ in this context in order to lay the way for a more detailed consideration of so-called ‘Continental’ philosophy—specifically of poststructuralism. It makes reference to the ways in which the work of poststructuralist thinkers has often been interpreted in ‘postmodern’ educational theory and seeks to reveal certain errors in this regard. Distinctions are drawn between postmodernity, postmodernism and poststructuralism, illustrating the last of these in terms of two influential strands of thought drawn from Levinas and Nietzsche, and indicating their value for education. In conclusion, some brief remarks are offered regarding the institutionalization of philosophy of education in Europe

Interpretivism in IS – a Postmodernist (or Postpositivist?) Knowledge Theory

This paper explores the association between postmodernism and interpretivism. The paper’s objective is to show that the interpretivist research paradigm shows very clear postmodernist traits. After defining the two concepts the paper attempts to answer the research question whether interpretivism is a typical postmodernist approach to Information Systems science and research. The paper is conceptual, using a philosophical-logical approach. It makes a contribution to the discipline of Information Systems by taking the reflection on the continuum of positivism-interpretivism-critical research a level deeper by connecting interpretivism with the broader, encompassing paradigm of postmodernism

The Mutualistic Relationship between Information Systems and the Humanities

The paper explores the nature of the relationship between the study fields of Information Systems and the humanities. Although literature on Humanities Computing states in principle that there is a bi-directional, beneficial symbiotic relationship, most studies and reflections investigate only the application of information technology in the humanities. This implies that the relation is commensalistic rather that mutualistic. However, studies do exist that implement theoretical constructs borrowed from the humanities in various aspects of Information Systems. Therefore, the author pleads that more recognition be given to the pre-discipline of Humanities-enriched Information Systems and proposes theoretical and practical ways to make the field more independent. The paper uses an interpretive research approach and explores the issue at hand on a meta-theoretical level. It suggests that, by building on the foundations of existing, pre-disciplinary enrichment endeavors, a new paradigm of Information Systems research may be acknowledged and nursed in order to facilitate further growth of the discipline

Organizing as Improvisations (Methodological Temptations of Social Constructivism)

Academic communities in social sciences are still dominated byneo-positivist paradigm, but communities of practice developing socialconstructivism have started to redress paradigmatic imbalances.According to the latter man-made organizational reality is processualand saturated with sensemaking (Weick). Social constructivistssucceeded in reconstructing complex organizational disasters andcontributed to organizational innovation and change (for instance inthe wake of ICT challenges). They belong to postmodernist critics ofmodernity's failure to regulate social development and contribute to abetter understanding of organizing (e.g. implementing a new technologyor managing knowledge production) as patchworking and improvising. Inspite of discriminating practices, they survive in academiccommunities.critical theory;managerialism;improvisation;relativism;social constructivism

Ricoeur between Levinas and Heidegger: Another's Further Alterity

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Systems' crisis of the present and goals of spiritualization of strategy development of the modern world

The aim of this article is to pay attention on the problems of dissociation of human community today, which leads to global opposition and, "nally, to civilization self-destruction, and also on possibilities of traditional cultures and religions and moral maxims, in processes of cardinal updating of strategy of world development. The mankind has appeared in very dificult situation. It is split on camp, the unions, blocks, spheres of interests etc. the Unity of mankind is lost. At the same time, globalism of problems rising before mankind, increase of present threats, for the adequate answer on them unity of human community is needed, change of strategy of world development is needed, humanization of the international relations, increase of morality in various spheres and spiritualization of activity of the person. The modern world has entered into global and system crisis. the mankind is not capable to develop further without essential transformation of paradigms of own development. Orientation to material welfare, a high standard of living - as world outlook installation dominating today- it is necessary to add, with cultural wealth which are capable to spiritualize various spheres of person's life. Realization of this purpose meets with big dificulties as cultural wealth is poorly perceived modern secular by the world. Nevertheless, complexity of situation moves mankind to gradual comprehension of necessity of realization of this problem.El objetivo de este artículo es prestar atención a los problemas de disociación de la comunidad humana hoy día, disociación que lleva a la oposición global y, en última instancia, a la autodestrucción de la civilización, y también estudiar las posibilidades de culturas tradicionales, religiones y máximas morales en procesos de actualización cardinal de la estrategia de desarrollo mundial. La humanidad ha llegado a una situación muy difícil. Está dividida, en uniones, bloques, esferas de interés, etc. La Unidad de la humanidad está perdida. Al mismo tiempo, se globalizan los problemas a los que se enfrenta la humanidad, aumentan las amenazas presentes, y para responder a ellas son necesarios la unidad de la comunidad humana, un cambio de estrategia en el desarrollo mundial, la humanización de las relaciones internacionales, un aumento de la moralidad en varios ámbitos y la espiritualización de la actividad del individuo. El mundo moderno ha entrado en una crisis global y sistémica. La humanidad no es capaz de desarrollarse más sin una transformación esencial de paradigmas de autodesarrollo. A la orientación a la comodidad material, a un nivel de vida alto es necesario añadir una riqueza cultural que permita espiritualizar varias esferas de la vida de un individuo. A este propósito se oponen dificultades importantes ya que la riqueza cultural no goza de mucha aceptación en el mundo moderno. Aún así, la complejidad de la situación lleva a la humanidad a una comprensión gradual de la necesidad de ser conscientes de este problema

Mediatization theory : what is in it for the philosophy of communication? : on Stig Hjarvard’s The Mediatization of Culture and Society

The present essay advances a critical assessment of The Mediatization of Culture and Society (Hjarvard 2013) with an emphasis on its valuable contribution to the philosophy of communication and its current debates. The examination focuses on three specific aspects: first, the epistemological advantages of middle-range theorization over micro and macro levels of analysis; second, the usefulness of mediatization as groundwork for a critique of postmodern media theory; third, the ontic features of technology as the spatiotemporal bender of communication and action today

ECIS 2010 Panel Report: Humanities-Enriched Information Systems

This article builds on a panel on Humanities-Enriched Information Systems presented at the 2010 European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), held in Pretoria, South Africa, June 6–9, 2010. The aim of the panel discussion was to stimulate a meta-theoretical discussion about the relationship between the Humanities and Information Systems in a way opposite to the usual. A lot of research has been conducted on the application of computing in the Humanities, but this panel explored the reverse process of enrichment that takes place. The purpose was to give recognition to work that has already been done in this regard by means of identifying a substantial sub-discipline, but also to inspire more and deliberate research that explores ways to enhance Information Systems by interweaving insights and methods from the Humanities. Such an endeavor may enhance ICT to empower the communities using these technologies