"Objectivity" in Social Science and Social Policy, by Max Weber
In this article Weber gives his understanding of the nature of the social sciences and methods of scientific research. The centre question under discussion is how to combine judgement about practical social policy and objectivity. Weber is debating over the validity of the value-judgements uttered by the critique. "In what sense, - asks he, - if the criterion of scientific knowledge is to be found in the "objective" validity of its results, has he (the author) remained within the sphere of scientific discussion?" (51). What is "objectively valid truth" in relation to social and cultural phenomena? By looking into the phenomenon of objectivity Weber attempts at resolving the conflict of methods in contemporary to him social sciences.
"Our science, - says he, - first arouse in connection with practical considerations. "Its most immediateÂ…purpose was the attainment of value-judgements concerning measures of State......
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Approximate Word Count: 2261
Approximate Pages: 9 (260 words per double-spaced page) |