Predictability and Unpredictability: Their Role in the Epistemological Refl ection about the Library as a Social Science

Abstract

This article aims to approach the problem of predictability and unpredictability and their impact on Library Research as a social discipline. For that purpose, some conceptual clarifi cations are proposed in regards to statements, observations, experimental laws and theoretical systems. Furthermore, an analysis is made of the links between these concepts and scientifi c prediction. Finally, the contributions by Kuhn, Lakatos and Kuipers regarding this issue are presented, with the purpose of fi nally showing that Library Research developments are framed in the knowledge generation with an unpredictable nature in principle.