The Situated Materiality of Scientific Practices: Postconstructivism - a New Theoretical Perspective in Sci-

摘要: For about 20 years, a rather wide range of conceptual approaches to the social study science and technology have emerged which occasionally been labelled “postconstructivist”. Although these conceptions differ in various respects, they common twofold opposition: against traditional representationalist realism as well “classical” constructivism established by “sociology scientific knowledge” (SSK). In order escape pitfalls both views (and overcome familiar, yet unfruitful opposition between them), postconstructivist perspectives understand sciences primarily term their situated material discursive practices . The present article starts with brief retrospect on why how since mid-1980s trends questioned not only rationalist realist accounts but also foundations background assumptions SSK’s claim explain sociologically content science. Subsequently, central features perspective studies are outlined, referring key concepts “knowledge”, “practice”, “performativity”. fruitfulness theoretical approach focusing is illustrated using example increasingly important issue non-knowledge: same way that knowledge be comprehended simply mental “possession” knower, non-knowledge merely lack thereof an (unrecognised) implication materially socially research practices. Finally, it emphasised should misunderstood claiming (as do constructivism) provide meta-theoretical explanation or legitimation Instead, postconstructivism conceived critical effort challenge one-sided foster more self-reflective