On the epistemic role of communication: Against the individualistic perspective

In this paper, we wish to highlight the central role of communication for knowledge in general and scientific knowledge in particular. To begin, we will reject the traditional and still widespread assumption that the epistemic subject is autonomous and independent. To do that, we will examine and question the rationalist project (which is normally associated with René Descartes) and the empiricist project (supported, among others, by John Locke) in epistemology, which are both based on the assumption of epistemic individualism. Then, we will focus on the concept of objectivity (and the related concept of intersubjectivity), which is pivotal for not only the natural but also the social and historical sciences, and we will show that such a concept is deeply connected to those of communication and testimony. Two proposals will be considered: the so-called operationistic point of view and Donald Davidson’s theory of thought and language.