Conhecimento científico no contexto big data: reflexões a partir da epistemologia de Popper

Abstract

It presents the big data context and its relationship with scientific knowledge from the following question: Does the extraction of information from large volumes of data represent an epistemological change for science in general? The general objective is to reflect on the epistemological implications of the big data context based on the propositions of Karl Popper. Specifically, the objectives are: a) to discuss the theoretical implications of science in the field of epistemology; b) to discourse about the concepts of what was conventionally called "big data"; c) to analyze the possible impacts of the big data context on scientific knowledge. Methodologically, it is an exploratory and descriptive research of the theoretical character to support the critical reflection about the big data phenomenon and its consequences for the scientific practice of any area of knowledge. The result is a critical analysis of a phenomenon little studied in the epistemological aspect. It is concluded that the big data context has revolutionized the decision-making processes in companies, but it is not possible to say that the same revolution occurs in the epistemological field.