Knowing stuff about things that matter

The philosophy of research is often written about in uninspiring, jargon-filled and abstract terms. We think that is silly. This chapter offers a different approach that foregrounds a clear and practical engagement with ways of thinking about the foundations of research, which sit at the core of all researchers’ work, whether they acknowledge it or not. We show how the job of a scholar is to know stuff about things that matter. This sentence is our way into ‘the Ologies’, that is ontology (things), epistemology (knowing) and axiology (mattering). From this accessible starting point, we discuss the work we have done together to use and think through research philosophy in a practical way. This provides encouragement for readers to do something similar by firstly recognising that the Ologies are quite easy to approach initially. Our examples should show you how you are already doing research philosophy and should therefore provide a foundation from which you can develop and expand upon your existing knowledge. We conclude with a call to avoid being drawn to find the paradigm you’re working within in favour of deeply considering the specifics of your work in order to grasp key features of how the Ologies unfold in practical and pragmatic ways.