Positivism vs Anti-Positivism Flashcards

Study Notes

Positivism

Positivism emphasizes knowledge from science and empirical observation.
It rests on three key assumptions: an objective reality exists, sciences will converge, and value judgments have no place in science.

Objective and Knowable Reality

Positivists believe in an objective reality that can be understood through observation and logic.
Objective reality, like the existence of a chair, implies that interpretations can be wrong.
The emphasis is on a knowable universe, with science providing definitive answers, stripping away subjective interpretations.

Convergence of Sciences

All sciences explore a single reality, suggesting they will become more similar as research progresses.
This may lead to a unified scientific discipline, blurring current disciplinary boundaries (e.g., biology, chemistry).

Value Neutrality in Science

Sciences investigate identical realities from different viewpoints, rendering all scientific inquiries equally valuable.
The ethical implications of scientific research are deemed social rather than scientific; thus, both beneficial and harmful research are considered equally significant.

Anti-Positivism

Anti-positivism argues that knowledge stems from human subjectivity, challenging the positivist viewpoint.

Limitations of Hard Science

Anti-positivists contend that social phenomena cannot be fully understood through quantitative data alone.
Contextual factors, such as individual perceptions of exam scores, showcase the relative importance of statistical measures.

Unique Nature of Sciences

Anti-positivists stress that different scientific disciplines will not amalgamate and each uniquely contributes to human understanding.
Emotions, values, and subjective experiences are fundamental for grasping the human condition, indicating a need for diverse research realms.

Interconnection of Science and Values

Values assess what is considered right, moral, or desirable within a culture.
The interpretation of scientific endeavors, such as researching harmful technologies versus beneficial medical advancements, is inherently influenced by societal values.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Sociology

Quantitative sociology aligns with positivist views, focusing on measurable behaviors and statistics (e.g., divorce rates, crime statistics).
Qualitative sociology corresponds with anti-positivism, emphasizing emotional and subjective human experiences (e.g., feelings related to divorce or societal perceptions of violence).

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts and differences between positivism and anti-positivism with these flashcards. Each card delves into the definitions and core principles that characterize these philosophical approaches, guiding you through their unique perspectives on reality and knowledge.