Verdade ou verdades?: um estudo sobre a construção do conhecimento nas relações internacionais

Abstract

The present work is intended to discuss the legitimacy question of scientific knowledge, particularly that produced by theories from International Relations. For this purpose, an overview of undergone debates in this discipline’s theoretical field is performed at first place. The raise of constructivist theory, influenced by reflective approaches during the third debate, is assessed here. This brings to the International Relations field of study the idea that reality is a social construction tackled in an intersubjective way. Based on the premises defended by this theory, this study, aims to point to the cornerstones of our discussion. That said, given knowledge is part of reality as an intersubjective construction and also an endogenous product of society, it is impossible for one to reach the positivist’s sciences exogenous truth in what tangles to human relationships. For that instance, at the end of this analysis, the process of construction of International Relations knowledge will be scrutinized.