The Philosophy of the Social Sciences

1

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Introduction
• The social sciences seek to conduct a science of
  phenomena that have no mass.
• At the same time, these sciences must adhere to
  the logic and rules of science.
• How is it possible to conduct a science of
  phenomena that have no mass?

2

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Nominalism Definitions
• Realism Abstract concepts are real in their
  consequences.
• Nominalism Abstract concepts reflect the logical
  error of reification misplaced concreteness
  based upon unnecessary subjectivity. The
  concrete is real.

3

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Nominalism Role of the Scientist
• Realism Observe, as best as possible, the
  consequences of abstract reality.
• Nominalism The social scientist has no other
  option but to observe the actual behavior of
  humans. Collective behavior is the simple
  aggregation of individuals behaviors.

4

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Nominalism Issues Facing Science
• Realism Challenged by obtaining valid and
  reliable measures. How does one measure an
  abstract concept?
• Nominalism Challenged by understanding
  collective behavior. What is the basis of social
  order?

5

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Nominalism Application
• Realism Observations and interpretations can be
  used to understand abstract concepts.
• Nominalism Observations and interpretations can
  be used to advance grounded theory theory that
  can be traced to direct observations of human
  behavior.

6

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Idealism Definitions
• Realism One reality to be observed as best as
  possible.
• Idealism Multiple realities, each valid at the
  same time.

7

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Idealism Role of the Scientist
• Realism Observe as best as possible. Data
  speak for themselves.
• Idealism The scientist has no option except to
  impose structure upon observations. Data do not
  speak for themselves.

8

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Idealism Issues Facing Science
• Realism Can be challenged by aberrations in
  observations.
• Idealism Can be challenged by differences in
  observations.

9

• The Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• Realism vs. Idealism Application
• Realism Observations and interpretations are
  value neutral (as best as possible).
• Idealism
• Observations and interpretations reflect the
  subjectivity of the society.
• Interpretations can be used to promote advocacy.
• Scientists are bound by verstehen.

10
An Example
11

• An Example
• Structure-Functionalism
• The Adaptation is the production of food.
• The Goals are multiple, with feed the world as
  the one being given priority.
• The appeal to Integration is that together we
  will achieve our goal.
• As a nation with vast resources, we have a moral
  obligation (Latent function) to feed the world.

12

• An Example
• Marxian/Critical
• This poster represents an attempt by powerful
  agribusiness firms to create a false
  consciousness among consumers that their true
  purpose is to feed the world.
• Instead, these powerful actors seek to distract
  us from their exploitation of the environment,
  animals, and our health and well-being so as to
  maximize their profits.