From Epistemology to Democracy

Abstract

For three decades, special education researchers have sought a solid epistemological foundation for their disability research. Following the lead of the philosophical tradition of American pragmatism, this article sets aside the search for epistemological foundations to conduct research of practical utility and democratic purpose. This article proposes a practical and democratic reorientation of special education research based on an antifoundational concept of truth, an antirepresentational view of language, and a wager on liberal democracy.