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VOL. 1, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Sociology of knowledge: Understanding the interconnections of science, technology and power
Authors
Ganesh Shrirang Nale, Bharat Bhauso Raut
Abstract
This article explores the sociology of knowledge by examining how
ideas, scientific practices, and technological developments are shaped by
social, cultural and political contexts. Beginning with Karl Mannheim’s
foundational insights on the social conditioning of knowledge, the paper
discusses major epistemological traditions in India, highlighting diverse
approaches to understanding truth, perception and rationality. The article
further analyzes Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s distinction between the inner and outer dimensions
of knowledge, emphasizing his call for democratization of education, scientific
temper and social justice. Through the lens of Science and Technology Studies
(STS), it investigates the interaction between scientific research,
technological innovation, capitalism and institutional power. The historical
relationship between science and colonialism, as well as contemporary debates
on nature, culture and politics, reveal how knowledge production has been used
as a tool of governance and control. The article also critiques the myths of
social sciences, the impact of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and the need for
culturally sensitive and decolonial approaches. Overall, the article argues
that knowledge is never neutral; it is embedded in systems of power, shaped by
historical forces, and must be directed toward inclusive, ethical and socially
meaningful outcomes.
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Pages:9-12
How to cite this article:
Ganesh Shrirang Nale, Bharat Bhauso Raut "Sociology of knowledge: Understanding the interconnections of science, technology and power". International Journal of Advanced Education
, Vol 1, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 9-12
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