Towards identifying a philosophical basis of social work

Abstract

Social work has absorbed and adapted major theories from related disciplines since its inception as an applied discipline over 100 years ago. These positions have been used to construct its ethical underpinnings and its epistemological standpoint. In this chapter we revisit this activity and address two questions: can we act as practitioners before we are fully cognisant of the ontological and philosophical position informing our practice? Is it possible to have a unitary, core ‘truth to act’ in light of the current globalisation of cultural norms, intercultural influences and challenges to intellectual traditions as being patriarchal, colonial and monocultural? Social workers must critically engage with philosophical and theoretical writings in order to understand the bases and implications of their practice decisions. Equally, however, a philosophy of social work must be dynamic, intersubjective and dialogic, and propose that we co-create theory, knowledge and praxis with our clients.