New Approaches in Social Sciences Field (original) (raw)

The Philosophy of Social Sciences

The Philosophy of Social Sciences, 2023

After reviewing the arguments in pro of a specific philosophy of the social sciences, which are found unsustainable. This book argues that the social sciences’ difference with natural sciences is one of degree and not of quality. Therefore, the scientific method studied by the philosophy of science for natural sciences is also applicable for social sciences. And there is no need for a specific philosophy of social sciences. The book further proposes a “disentanglement methodology” to isolate, as much as possible, the solid scientific discoveries from their ideological content. And it argues that this methodology is particularly relevant for social sciences, given their higher ideological content. As an example, the disentanglement methodology is applied to psychology and economics.

Introduction. Towards a Social Science of the Social Sciences

The Social Sciences in the Looking-Glass, 2023

Over the past decades, social scientists have conducted research on the worlds of science and technology, but similar investigation into their own disciplines have been relatively limited. In recent years, however, they have begun to examine various aspects of the social sciences, including their politics and practices, their epistemologies and methods, their institutionalization and professionalization, their national development and colonial expansion, their heterogeneous globalization and local contestations, and their public presence and role in society. Strikingly, this trend has been concomitant with a reconfiguration of the landscape in which the social sciences are inscribed, a reshaping of their borders with neighboring fields, and a contestation of some of their foundations. In particular, they have come under increasing pressure from cognitive and evolutionary sciences as well method-driven and big data approaches, while their funding, political support and social credibility have been threatened in many countries. It is therefore an interesting and challenging time to engage in what could be called a “social science of the social sciences”. The object of this volume is to offer current historical and social scientific perspectives on this reflexive moment, examining sociology, anthropology, philosophy, political science, legal theory, and religious studies. Beyond their diversity, the common thread of all contributions is a critical approach to the politics and practices of the social sciences. The social sciences are thoroughly entangled in the social facts they describe and analyze. It is therefore only by singling out the social sciences for study that we can understand why our world looks the way it does.

Interconnectedness of Social Sciences

IntechOpen, 2018

This chapter addresses the interconnectedness between the different areas that form the wide discipline of the social sciences. In as much as the social sciences field is trying to prove its scientific strength through empirical justification of research endeavours, there is a need to address how best cooperation can be established so that research endeavours will produce fruitful outcomes, in the best interest of societal development. The current process of methodological pursuance of knowledge exploration varies, while some areas like economic science, particularly econometric methodology, seem to have aligned its investigative processes to that of empirical investigation, with very little consideration given to addressing other areas of methodological input, for example, that which is concerned with qualitative methods, for example hermeneutics. This chapter has provided an open academic discourse on the way forward for researchers' engagement in the world of research endeavour.

THE EXPLANATION AND STRUCTURE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

1988

This paper was written as a chapter for a book prepared as a background for training and education at the Catholic University of Campinas in Brazil in 1988. Some ideas have been included in the original version, particularly those related to the uncertainty principle in social sciences. The main objective is to discuss the model for the natural sciences and a comparison with social sciences structure. The analysis of the deductive-nomological model of natural sciences shows that the social sciences cannot have the same structure for logical reasons. It was used in the text the same image used in quantum mechanics, it means, the Uncertainty Principle to show the special status of socials sciences. Finally, I decided to keep the text as it was published in 1998, even though new ideas have been developed in other publications on the same issue.

THE SOCIAL SCIENCES AND THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF SOCIETY: THE FACT – VALUE DICHOTOMY DEBATE REVISITED

ne major question which confronts students and scholars in the social sciences is whether facts and values can be separated in their researches. On the one hand, there are those who argue that with the use of some scientific tools, factvalue dichotomy is possible in the social sciences. On the other hand, others argue that in view of the subject matter of the social sciences, fact -value separation is impossible. This essay examines some of the arguments of these contending schools of thought, and an attempt is made to show that with the application of some instruments and techniques, systematic and objective inquiries can be conducted in the social sciences. It is acknowledged that it is unrealistic to expect the social sciences to be as exact and accurate as the natural sciences since both groups of disciplines have different subject matters. Furthermore, it is argued that the influence of personal values in research is not peculiar to the social sciences; the natural scientist is also influenced by his/her values.

The Fundamental Principles of Social Sciences

Business Ethics and Leadership, Volume 7, Issue 2, 2023, 2023

This paper provides an overview of the fundamental principles of social sciences, encompassing a wide range of academic disciplines dedicated to studying human society and human relationships. Drawing from the author's understanding of social sciences, it offers a comprehensive examination of key concepts and highlights the significance of social science theories and practices. The paper begins by elucidating the definitions of social sciences, emphasizing their interdisciplinary nature and their focus on understanding societal dynamics. It explores the contributions of major thinkers in the field of social sciences, showcasing their intellectual impact and influential ideas. Furthermore, it presents a selection of notable social science thinkers from the 21st century, illustrating the ongoing evolution of the discipline. A core aspect of the paper focuses on the significant role of social scientists in contributing to societal development. It explores their diverse areas of expertise and the application of their research findings to address social issues and shape public policies. Additionally, the paper delves into the main theories and theoretical developments within social sciences, including the theory of governance, governmentality, network theory, and environmentalism. It specifically addresses the intersection of social sciences with climate change, highlighting the unique challenges and perspectives offered by this field. Sustainable development emerges as a prominent discipline within social sciences, with its emphasis on balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. The paper explores its relevance in addressing pressing global challenges. Moreover, it examines the emergence of new theories and practices within social sciences, presenting a glimpse of the evolving landscape of research and scholarship. Considering the future direction of social science research and practices, the paper offers insights into potential areas of exploration and the evolving nature of research methodologies. It addresses key research questions, such as what, why, how, when, where, and for whom, providing a framework for comprehensive inquiry. This paper provides a broad overview of social sciences, elucidating key principles, theories, and notable contributions to societal development. By examining the past and present, it also outlines the potential future trajectory of social science research and practices, shedding light on the significance and relevance of this dynamic field.