Returning to past features of Serge Moscovici's theory to feed the future

Denise Jodelet

Denise Jodelet Écoles des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to give saliency to a major contribution of Serge Moscovici to a theory of knowledge. It draws on the following observation. Moscovici started out from a general conception of knowledge, insofar as he compared social representation with other forms of knowledge, science, ideology, worldview, etc. He anticipated reflections on common sense, herewith encountering the theories of knowledge that provide models for a "general epistemology" on common knowledge. After considering the climate and the context in which the classic work was published, I shall examine the contributions to a psychosociology of knowledge by emphasising three important themes that mark Moscovici‟s work: thinking, value, and image.

Author Biography

Denise Jodelet, Écoles des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris

DENISE JODELET is affiliated with the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales. She was a member of the „Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale‟ since its establishement and led this research department until her retirement. She has conducted numerous theoretical and empirical research projects examining social representations in various domains. Denise Jodelet is also known for her innovative works on collective and social memory, community psychology, relations with the „other‟, music and religion. She has collaborated with academic colleagues in various European universities and has taught and conducted various research projects in Latin and South America.