Abstract
The main objective of this theoretical paper is to point out possibilities of inclusion and interpretation of the theory of discourse as developed by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe in studies in the scope of sociology of science. It is argued that the theory of discourse comprises a theoretical and epistemological tool for the (sociological) understanding of the phenomena that constitute the scientific field, highlighting its possible operability and potential for research that take science as discourse. Given its post-structuralist and post-foundationalist approach, discourse theory can provide new possibilities for understanding the complex nuances that permeate the production of science, both at the epistemological and political-institutional levels. In short, this paper presents the main categories of analysis of discourse theory, such as discourse, antagonism, agonism, articulation and hegemony, in order to demonstrate that such a theoretical model can be, in some way, incorporated into the social science studies, whether in theoretical or empirical research.
Keywords
post-structuralism; post-foundationalism; science; society; hegemony