What is Fugitive Knowledge? Fugitive Knowledge is about applying critical thinking and scepticism to the way we organise ourselves in the economy and society. It is written by Peter Stoyko, a professional researcher, methodologist, and information designer. The term “fugitive knowledge” has two meanings. On the one hand, it refers to valuable insights and ideas that escape our attention because they don’t have an outlet for expression. Bureaucratic organisations are notorious for letting a steady stream of valuable knowledge escape. On the other hand, “fugitive knowledge” refers to a contrary perspective and mindset. The aim is to escape from the fetters of conventional wisdom and the herd mentality that organisations often exert. Hence the subtitle: escape from the planet of the robotic bureaucrats (which is also an oblique reference to a classic video-game title).

What Topics Are Covered? Fugitive knowledge is about organisational life. Management, governance, administration, and leadership figure prominently here, as does any social scientific understanding of organisational design and behaviour. Actually, most of the social sciences figure into the equation. A section is also related to inquiry, information design, and analysis (i.e. the savvy consumption of information), which are posts from another blog called SmithySmithy.

What Is Your Philosophical Or Ideological Stance? Fugitive knowledge is, first and foremost, dedicated to critical thinking and scepticism. This scepticism is not cynicism, nay-saying, hand-wringing, nor nihilism. Taking inspiration from the Greek philosopher Pyrrho, scepticism is first about having an open mind, contrary to a common usage of the term. It is next about applying scrutiny and evidence to arguments before accepting a claim, and then only accepting that claim tentatively. It follows that Fugitive Knowledge takes an empirical, pro-Enlightenment, and pro-science stance towards knowledge. Beyond that, Fugitive Knowledge favours interdisciplinary research and analysis. Cosmopolitanism and an interest in ideas from other cultures is also supported. And you might have already noticed a bias in favour of the Queen’s English spelling.

What Kind of Articles Are Posted? Fugitive knowledge mostly contains original writing and information graphics, although there is a section that points to content from other parts of the Web (the Worth Noting section). Book reviews are the most common post, although original commentaries and essays are also found here.

Where Can I Comment? A built-in commenting feature isn’t available at this time. Thoughtful comments should be sent directly to the author (hisfirstname@hislastname.net) who may or may not append the comment to the end of the post. Authors of any material reviewed have a right to submit a rebuttal which will be posted after a review (unedited except for spelling and grammar). In such cases, a rejoinder will likely follow.

What is Fugitive Knowledge Press? Fugitive Knowledge Press is the print-publishing arm of this site. Original research and views will be published. Some of these publications will take novel forms. More will be revealed once the FKPress site is launched.

Disclaimers. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of Peter Stoyko. They do not reflect the views and opinions of Peter Stoyko’s employer, the broader institution, nor any affiliated organisation.