Judgement fields and practising processes: On the development of knowledge within a praxis

Abstract

This article attempts to summarize and develop some of the concepts discussed in my earlier work, especially with consideration of the relationship between language and practical action. The point of departure is research around the development of praxes, conducted at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. The musician’s practice is a fruitful example since the actual performance is so clearly non-verbal. In a series of images, the concept of judgement fields and its connection to examples within practice are presented. Departing from a discussion of collective praxis and the tension fields that define part of the praxis concept, this discussion is led towards the individual practitioner’s relationship to practical action, in the moment. In a reworking of the philosopher Bergson’s thoughts on the performer in the flow of moments, an image is created of the connection between practical action and the different language levels used in rehearsal, teaching, and other activities connected to a praxis. The model is expected to be useful in the handling of experience transferring within higher education, and a contribution to philosophical discussion around the relationship between language and practical action, especially connected to artistic research.