Big data: the announcement of «the end of theory». Epistemological premises, socio-political implications and educational repercussions

Abstract

This article aims at making a contribution towards the comprehension of the Big Data phenomenon, starting from the analysis of an epistemological paradigm that is getting considerable dissemination in the recent years: the one which proclaims “The End of Theory” and the overcoming of the scientific method. The deep socio-political implications of this visions will be examined, then a reflection about the educational repercussions will be developed. Firstly will be considered the opportunities that Big Data may unfold in the field of educational research. Then some of the mainstream representations of Big Data will be analysed, in order to clarify their influences on the possible ways of conceiving and structuring Data Literacy.