Epistemology of Social Sciences

Epistemology of Social Sciences

• Course Objectives:
  • Develop critical thinking skills.
  • Enhance analysis and synthesis capabilities.
  • Foster inductive reasoning in science and knowledge.

First Topic: Nature of Epistemology and its Relation to Philosophy of Science and Theory of Knowledge

• Definition of Epistemology:

  • Epistemology, derived from "episteme" (knowledge) and "logie" (study/science), literally means "the science of knowledge".
  • Initially coined by Scottish philosopher James Frederick Ferrier in his 1854 book "Principles of Metaphysics".
  • Divided philosophy into ontology (being) and epistemology (knowledge).
  • Different interpretations exist:
    • Francophone perspective views epistemology as the study of knowledge in the modern sense, focusing on the foundational principles and theories of science.
    • Anglo-Saxon perspective emphasizes epistemology as the theory of knowledge, encompassing all forms of knowledge, not just scientific ones.

• Epistemology, Philosophy of Science, and Theory of Knowledge:

  • Discussing epistemology entails examining related concepts like theory of knowledge and philosophy of science.
  • These terms, rooted in distinct philosophical traditions, are often used interchangeably in different texts.

Second Topic: Foundations of Epistemology

• Skepticism:

  • Represents uncertainty, prompting critical thinking and questioning assumptions before drawing conclusions.
  • A crucial aspect of scientific inquiry.

• Scientific Realism:

  • A stance asserting that scientific theories attempt to describe objective reality accurately.
  • Holds that scientific claims should be interpreted literally, and the theoretical entities are real.

• Contextualism:

  • Highlights the significance of context in understanding statements, actions, phenomena, and expressions.
  • Underscores that meaning relies on the surrounding circumstances.

Third Topic: Epistemological Issues and Research

• Subject matter of Epistemology:

  • Epistemology analyzes knowledge through critical assessment and paradigm shifts, aiming to refine and improve existing knowledge.
  • Primarily focuses on knowledge itself.
  • Is related to criticism and rupture leading to partial or total corrections of existing knowledge.

• Scientific Knowledge/Knowledge:

  • A comprehensive collection of meanings, perceptions, opinions, and beliefs acquired by individuals to comprehend the surrounding phenomena.
  • Encompasses natural, social, and cultural elements.

• Relationship Between Science and Knowledge:

  • Different philosophical schools have varying views on whether science and knowledge share the same meaning or possess distinct characteristics.

Fourth Topic: Stages of Knowledge Acquisition and Types of Knowledge

• Stages of Acquiring Knowledge:

  • Sensory Knowledge and Personal Experience: Initial stage involving basic observation and trial-and-error.
  • Trust in Authorities and Traditions: Individuals seek guidance from established authorities for understanding beyond personal experience.
  • Reflection and Dialogue: Individuals pursue rational and logical explanations, employing deductive reasoning.
  • Scientific Knowledge and Rigor: Formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

• Types of Knowledge:

  • Magic/Mystical: Emphasizes hidden forces and supernatural explanations.
  • Mythological: Attributing origins to the supernatural or extraordinary events.
  • **Religious:**Acknowledges a spiritual realm alongside the observable world.
  • Scientific: Seeks rational explanations for observable events governed by natural laws.

Fifth Topic: Goals of Science

• Understanding and Explanation:

  • Science aims to explain phenomena beyond just describing them.
  • Involves processes like tracing origins, evolution, influencing factors, and contextual analysis.

• Prediction: Aims to forecast future events based on established knowledge.

• Control and Manipulation:

  • A process of regulating aspects of reality through interventions.
  • Depends on in-depth understanding and good predictions of phenomena.

Sixth Topic: Characteristics of Science

• Modifiability of Scientific Facts: Scientific knowledge is not static, subjected to revision as new evidence emerges.

• Self-Correction: Science constantly updates itself through rigorous scrutiny of its own theories and findings.

• Cumulative Nature: Scientific knowledge builds upon previous findings, fostering incremental progress.

• Social Context: Science is intertwined with society, influencing and being influenced by it.

Seventh Topic: Sources of Scientific Knowledge

• Induction: Scientific knowledge originates from observation and experience of the world.

• Deduction: Scientific knowledge is derived from theoretical principles and tested against observed phenomena.

Eighth Topic: Norms of Scientific Knowledge

• Causality: Scientific knowledge relies on a belief in natural laws driving events.

  • Experimental Induction Acquiring knowledge through observation and interaction.
  • Rational Deduction Deductive logic, drawing conclusions from prior premises.

• Objectivity:

  • Requires researchers to eliminate personal biases and value judgments.
  • Approaches used for achieving better objectivity:
    • Suspension of Judgment Temporarily setting aside personal views to gain a comprehensive understanding.
    • Value NeutralityMaintaining a neutral stance regarding moral values or personal preferences to assure impartiality.
    • Critical Self-reflection Evaluating one's own biases and preconceived notions while conducting research.

• Epistemological approaches:

  • Induction, deduction, objectivity, and criticism.

Ninth Topic: Scientific Mindset and its Traits

• Definition:

  • A mental predisposition geared toward understanding the world and engaged in continuously questioning.

• Traits:

  • Observation: Observing, questioning, and seeking explanations.
  • Inquiry: Continuously seeking answers and questioning existing knowledge.
  • Reasoning/Inference: Organizing ideas, forming hypotheses, and testing them.
  • Methodology: Systematic procedures in research.
  • Objectivity: Evaluating based on facts without personal bias.

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