Philosophical Schools and Scientific Working Methods in Social Science

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 36, Heft 4, S. 587-601

Abstract

General characteristics of relationships underlying the assumptions of sociological inquiry are addressed. Various theoretical & methodological questions posed at the onset of a research project are delineated; the choice of methodological design tends to arise from the interaction of empirical considerations with specific axiological premises. The concept of "visions" is used to get at the source of philosophical assumptions, which, in turn, determine the validity of research methodologies. Most assumptions entail contradictory elements; the use of "middle-range" ontologies is offered to incorporate such postulates into a complementary theoretical model. 1 Illustration. R. McCarthy.