ABSTRACT
The organization of knowledge, as organized by institutions and established ideas, is considered in relation to the privilege accorded to the idea of science. The politics of knowledge concerning its social effects, institutions and its role in governance is explored. An account is offered of modern and contemporary thinking on science as paradigm knowledge and what its relation is to truth claims. The role of knowledge in relation to social distinctions (enacted by education) is outlined. Jean Francois Lyotard’s argument that ties knowledge to narrative is explored in relation to the inescapable relation between knowledge and politics. The idea of a global politics of knowledge that sustains and enhances inequalities and imbalances of power and authority is presented with education as its agency. The role of the spectral is elaborated in relation to a fundamental and properly critical politics of knowledge. The contemporary emphasis on ‘impact’ is explored in relation to the myth that sustains the contemporary global politics of knowledge.
