ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out the basic premise of the book. Here, it is claimed that the emergent methodology of design research involving practice (often referred to as, e.g., research through design) lacks an explicit epistemological narrative (i.e., a clear theory of knowledge). From this, it is proposed that philosophy might be drawn upon in the process of constructing such a narrative. Next, the philosophic perspective driving the arrangement of the present book (i.e., pragmatism) is presented, along with a brief rationale for the selection of its three key philosophic voices – John Dewey, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Martin Heidegger – as core references. Finally, a brief positioning statement from the author draws the chapter to a close.
