On Sources and Narratives in Historical Social Science: a Realist Critique of Positivist and Postmodernist Epistemologies (original) (raw)

This paper critiques the positivist and postmodernist epistemologies in historical sociology, arguing that both perspectives inaccurately depict the nature of historical evidence and its interpretation. It positions historical sociology as a rigorous interpretive enterprise capable of generating valid accounts of the past, despite challenges posed by selection bias and narrative construction. The author asserts that a critical realist approach is essential for understanding the relationship between history and social science, advocating for specific protocols to enhance objectivity in historical social research.