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In Nagel's scientific theory, the object of experiment, proof, and
analysis is "to expunge this subjective residue from the final statements
of scientific fact." But to ignore the subjective, "even idiosyncratic ori-
gins of imaginative ideas in science is to cripple its creative potential"
(Root-Bernstein, 1997, p. 6). Shortland (1981) also challenges Nagel's
scientific assumptions. He asserts, "[T]he trouble with Nagel is not so
much with what he examines as in the serious things he has left unex-
amined" (p. 475). However, the "greatest danger" lies in Nagel's as-
sumptions about use of scientific theory and models in the social sci-
ences. Shortland cautions scholars in adopting approaches "that imply a
strong, positivist orientation in their line of inquiry." He further asserts
that "none of the cosmetic readjustments" made in Nagel's revised edi-
tion (1979) of his work justifies application of his "abstract calculus"
theory to other fields (pp. 476-477, 480).
From within the field of Library and Information Studies, Patrick
Wilson (1977) has called for "a reorientation toward the functional ra-
ther than topical or disciplinary" in the organization and representation
of documents; this shift is "one that explicitly recognizes the primacy
of the need to bring knowledge to the point of use" in problem solution
in Information Retrieval and Information Science (Wilson, 1977, p.
120). The "growing undercurrent of urgency" (Blair, 1990, p. viii) im-
posed by the technological explosion echoes Wilson's ideas and pro-
vides impetus to look beyond the traditional, positivist approach to
problem solution. Wilson further asserts that
the final test of the adequacy of decisions is in the conse-
quences. If we are happy, or at least satisfied, with the re-
sults of our decisions, we have no cause to complain about
the antecedents of those decisions, including the infor-
mation supply on which they were based. If events turn out
well, in our eyes, then we have no basis for criticism of our
role in bringing about the events or of the information sup-
ply we used. (1977, p. 68)
Following the positivist mode of thinking leaves no avenues to
address the problems besetting Library and Information Science. In-
deed, there is an increasing sense of "incredulity" over the ability of a
"legitimized scientific metanarrative" to solve these problems (Lyotard,
1979, pp. xxiv, 27). Wittgenstein's "perspicuous examples" are the
critical link to understanding that information seeking is a pragmatic
and contingent activity (Blair, 1990, p. 157).
Florman (1994) states that engineers are experiencing a "height-
ened level of awareness" that there are alternative modes for problem19
Chapter 2
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O'Connor, Brian Clark; Copeland, Jud H., 1943- & Kearns, Jodi L. Hunting and Gathering on the Information Savanna, book, 2003; [Lanham, Maryland]. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc83323/m1/29/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT College of Information.