Is knowledge in a state of crisis, Sonja Rinofner-Kreidl?

Foto: Uni Graz/Kanizaj

“In every specialist field, the amount of knowledge processed and made available to us through the latest technology far exceeds the capacity of any one individual. This dynamic development of knowledge is giving us illusions of power in terms of the amount of control we have over the foundations of human and non-human life. At first glance, it’s completely illogical to talk about a global knowledge crisis – as if its existence could ever be in doubt! But paradoxically, our knowledge is fragile precisely because it is booming and expanding, and because our analysis, critical reflection, and intelligent, situational application of it is lagging behind.”

Sonja Rinofner-Kreidl is Professor of Philosophy and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities.

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