Mapping of social sciences in the Colon Classification

Abstract

Defines knowledge as sum total of ideas, emotions, beliefs, and experiences conserved by the society. Enumerates its properties as being social, ever growing, multidimensional and fragmentary. Explains in brief social epistemology. Lists the growth of knowledge by specialization, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary modes. Views classifications as impermanent maps of knowledge which change with society and time. Explains the four principles of the mapping of knowledge as given by D W Langridge, namely, ideological, social purpose, taxonomic, and disciplinary. Defines the field and scope of social sciences and briefly introduces the Colon Classification, its method, structure and kind of subjects therein. Further outlines and critically evaluates the order of basic subjects as divided in to major disciplines of sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Lastly it dwells minutely on the order of social sciences main classes, namely, education, geography, history, political science, economics, sociology and law. Ranganathan claimed this order to be of increasing artificiality of their laws. Refutes Ranganathan’s concept of artificiality of social laws. This paper by analysis argues the order of CC-6(1960) main classes to be of serial dependency as given by August Comte and already practiced by the Library of Congress Classification.