An exercise of 'genealogy' - reactivating minor knowledge

• Author: Ungurean, S.
• Position: Department of Sociology and Philosophy, Transilvania University of Brasov
• Pages: 27-36

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov • Vol. 4 (53) •No. 1 - 2011

Series VII: Social Sciences • Law

AN EXERCISE OF 'GENEALOGY' –

REACTIVATING MINOR KNOWLEDGE

Ştefan UNGUREAN1

Abstract: In fact, we do not endeavor to disqualify any form of knowledge.

We do not desire to repeat the discourse of self-sufficiency – critical with

others – claiming that only this type of thinking knowledge is valid. Our

intention consists in attracting attention onto the singular fact, onto the

radical contingency we constantly meet in our daily lives. Consequently, we

suggest the sociologist's training be oriented towards the capacity to identify

a problem starting from a single fact, in other words, we request heeding

minor knowledge. The large majority of graduates in sociology work with

this kind of reality. Within minor knowledge the possibility of hiding the fact

that power endeavors to produce both the individual and the truth it needs,

does not exist. In the case we are presenting, this minor knowledge found in

travel diaries has generated some of the social representations on to which

major political and historical decisions were founded.

Key words: great narrative, minor knowledge, genealogy.

1 Department of Sociology and Philosophy, Transilvania University of Braşov.

1. The Problem Definition

We aim to analyze an event as related in

a travel journal, using as source a book of

Larry Wolff. [17]

2. The Purpose of Our Analysis:

Clarifying the meaning of and the role

played by the notions of explanation and

comprehension within sociological

knowledge and the implications related to

practicing sociology as a profession.

3. Describing the Fact

A French diplomat by the side of the

High Porte sets out on a journey to Russia

passing through Moldavia, being

accompanied by a Turkish officer, ranking

as an agha. The year is 1784 and the

diplomat will describe the event in his

travel journal, which will later be

published in France. The traveling

expenses are supported by the sultan. The

account starts with the dispute between the

French diplomat and the Turk regarding

the way to acquire food, the French

wanting to obtain what they needed by

paying, the Turk contradicting him: “You

won't even get bread, I'm telling you; I

know the Moldavians, they want to be

beaten”

The author is trying to portray himself as

a moral person, not desiring to make the

Moldavians suffer. On the other hand he

simultaneously intends to justify the Turk's

position, given the fact that the money

supporting their journey belongs to the

sultan – he therefore chooses to also write

down the Turk's point of view: “do

remember that it is not just for me to sleep

without having eaten before; and when