“Predisposed” vs “not to use predisposed”

There is no contradiction once we distinguish possible use from recommended use.

“Knowledge production was predisposed toward A”

if you have not demonstrated it.

“‘Predisposed’ can be methodologically safer than ‘predetermined.’”

I meant relative to “predetermined.”

The scale is roughly:

Influenced to inclined toward to predisposed toward to structured toward to strongly constrained to predetermined

The exact boundaries aren't fixed, but the general idea is:

“Predetermined”

Very strong.

Implies substantial prior determination.

“Predisposed”

Weaker.

Means:

conditions make one direction more likely than another.

So if your evidence shows:

institutions systematically make research on A easier and more rewarding,

you might reasonably say:

“The research environment was predisposed toward A.”

But if all you know is:

“A received more research than B,”

even “predisposed” may be premature because you haven't established the mechanism.