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Abstract

This essay starts from considerations on the current state of the history of science. From these considerations it becomes clear that the far-reaching insights into the role of local contexts for the development of science achieved during the past decennia need to be complemented by equally far-reaching insights from a global history of knowledge. Some theoretical foundations of such a global history are then being discussed. The concept of knowledge, in particular, is related to a concept of action that is in turn conceived as being rooted in social and material contexts. In this way, knowledge can be understood both with regard to its local conditions and with regard to globalization processes and their long-term effects. The emerging picture is illustrated by a brief survey of some key episodes of the history of knowledge. Among these key episodes are the emergence of writing and of mathematics, the spread of knowledge by the so-called world religions, and the Scientific Revolution of the early modem period. All these periods are discussed from a global perspective. By way of conclusion, the question is being raised of a possible contribition of this perspective for dealing with current challenges of science and society.