Epistemology is part of philosophy which majorly deals with knowledge. Epistemology tries to define the concept of knowledge by explaining its nature and how it comes about. Rationalism is quickly gaining popularity and it is one of the branches of epistemology. The proponents of rationalism argue that knowledge can be developed out of the past experiences or out of critical thinking.
Several businesses and organizations are today depending on the application of reason and logic. They use them to develop strategies that can help them achieve their objectives. For example computer technology is currently relying on the use of logic in developing security systems. Computer security system deals with management of information. Management of information is very important due to increased number of cyber crimes and data corruption. Data security prevents an authorized people from gaining access to information illegally, but it allows the authorized individuals to access the information. There are several concepts that can be used in developing data security. However, the uses of security systems in computers are all dependent on the application of the concept of logic.
The security system of a computer is based on preset access information (code) which a person must use in order to access the data. Therefore one should use the right access code in order to access the documents or information. Deductive and inductive logic are two elements of scientific rationality which are always applied by scientists in the following ways. They use them in identifying a problem (Bernstein, 1983). After that they carry out an observation and then make an interpretation of it. They then develop a hypothesis after which they draw a conclusion. Postmodernists argue that rationality does not provide explanations about what goes on in the world (Delanty & Strydom, 2003). However they all agree that the concept of logic can apply in a given model of instructions for example in the case of computer security. It is therefore possible for a person to apply the concept of logic without necessarily believing in postmodernists’ critiques (Delanty & Strydom, 2003).
Most of the modern innovations are products of scientific research, yet some people continue to criticize the scientific concepts. Science tries to experiment on knowledge using empirical method. This method involves making observations and developing hypothesis after which a conclusion is made based on what is observed. Scientific methods have the advantage of giving evidence hence they can be proved. For example before anew product is launched in the market, a research is always conducted to determine its effectiveness (Delanty & Strydom, 2003). If this is ignored, the manufacture cannot have reliable information about his product. Scientific methods could also help various businesses that rely on technology to improve on their services. For example communication firms should always come up with better services for their customer. This can be realized only through scientific research.
Postmodernists do not give valid criticisms of science and they simply base their arguments on the fact that scientific methods are general and cannot be relied on (Bernstein, 1983). This is not true because scientific concepts can be proved. Even though some scientific knowledge has caused problems to the human race, scientific research has been very instrumental in transforming the way people do business and it has also helped in improving the life of mankind as a whole. It should therefore not be openly criticized because even its critics have also benefited from it.
References
Bernstein, R. (1983). Beyond objectivism and relativism: science, hermeneutics, and praxis. New York: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Delanty, G., & Strydom, P. (2003). Philosophies of social science: the classic and contemporary readings. New York: Open University Press.