This paper re-examines scientism and its search for objective knowledge. It argues that the distinction between objectivity and subjectivity is tantamount to an advocacy for a closed knowledge system. The paper discusses the dialectics of theory and practice. The mutual constitution of theory and practice is considered to be the foundation of knowledge, which is open-ended. Theory is accordingly a mechanism to mediate the mutually estranging relationship between the researcher and the researched, each embedded in a distinctive life experience as well as a personal problematique.