Knowledge, power and the self
preliminary explorations
pp. 57-83
in: , Tales of research misconduct, Berlin, Springer, 2017Abstract
In the previous chapter I introduced the conceptual framework. Knowledge, power and the Self represent three axes or dimensions of the scientific landscape, while Lacan's four discourses represent strategies for navigating this three-dimensional discursive space. Whereas university discourse centres on expert knowledge (S2), the discourse of the Master builds on an authoritarian power dimension (S1), while the discourse of the hysteric places the divided Self ($) in a frontal position, but all strategies are eventually forced to face the other two dimensions as well. The discourse of the Master, for instance, is subverted by the power inherent in expert knowledge and challenged by the subjectivity of the rebellious, insubordinate Self, represented by the discourse of the hysteric. The fourth discourse (the discourse of the analyst) opts for an oblique perspective, probing and analysing the other three discourses and their vicissitudes with evenly poised attention.