"Have I kept inquiry moving?" On the Epistemology of Reflection

Abstract

Detractors of Schon's notion of "reflection in action" often point out that there is seldom time for reflection when a person is engaged in work. Such comments indicate an overly narrow conception of what reflection is. In this article it is argued that a practice, which occurs over a span of time, may be reflective without any particular activity called "reflection" being carried out. Though there is a diversity of forms of reflection in practice, it is argued that Schon's notion of "conversation"or "dialogue" can be developed so as to exhibit a structural similarity to various reflective practices. Reflection in action emerges, then, as a form of knowledge in action, as fallible as any other form of empirical knowledge.