An interesting discussion indeed! The terrain of the argument is
perhaps where social epistemology and language meets science and
science education. Lets say everything is either socially constructed
or everything is not. Then is the argument really about who has the
naming rights? That turns the discussion around to one of power or
authority. One can certainly become anxious should the discussion
proceed towards one of authority--who authorizes us to call things
something or another?
Then there are questions about sponsorship and research grants. If
sponsors fund our research do they then 'own' the right [authority]
that our findings be called something?
Back to social construction as a 'pure concept,' To me it is about a
"web of beliefs" beliefs about knowledge and society as it were.
Reality is a whole nother matter.


Dr. Jim Kusch

(608) 244-4246