A ciência da informação e sua configuração epistemológica: análise com base nas linhas de pesquisa da área

Abstract

The fundaments of the information science are discussed based on its trends of research. Firstly, a historical revision concerning the fundaments of the information science is undertaken. Secondly, a historical revision on the constitution of the research trends of the Brazilian post-graduation courses on information science is done. In the latter, the subject who builds knowledge, which is perceived in the science information researcher, takes dimension. In the following topic, the discussion about the suitability of the use of paradigms and models, as an organizing reference to undertake an epistemological investigation. In this first moment, the paradigms and models are seen overall concerning their suitability and validation in the sciences as a whole, especially the human sciences. As these topics are introductory and broader, we start the exposition of the steps to be followed in the analysis of the paradigms and models of the area of the information science, clarifying the methods to be applied. Later on, paradigms and models of the area of information science are identified, having the research trends of the Brazilian post-graduation courses as the nucleus of the discussion, compared and confronted with the literature on the information science in the second and third moments. Lastly, opportunity is given for some questions and final considerations, raising some research possibilities and paths around the instigating subject of the information science epistemology, comprehending overall, promising theoretical and methodological aspects for the area.