Three sociological epistemologies

Article Abstract:

A sociological analysis of the epistemologies of pragmatism, positivism and hermeneutics reveals the underlying assumptions of the fields of study that use them. Pragmatism is the ideology of the research aspect of science where there are no given laws and there is quest for new things. Positivism, which does not encourage innovation, underlies the practice of normal science where established rules are accepted and there are no dramatic changes. Hermeneutics is apt for the humanities where there are no given facts, only various schools of thought which engage in discussion of ideas.

Hermeneutics, Pragmatism, Positivism

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Sociology and social movements

Article Abstract:

There are a number of ways of perceiving social ovements and sociology. There is a case for separating empirical and normative issues and there is a need to examine the nature of science in order to clarify ideas about sociology as a science. Sociologists have studied social movements, and sociology can be called a social movement in itself, which has been influenced both by feminism and Marxism and other social movements. There are questions about a mandate for sociologists who see themselves as social activists.

Political aspects, Criticism and interpretation, Social movements, Sociology

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Sociology at play, or truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion: 2006 Presidential address to the Pacific Sociological Association

Article Abstract:

A 2006 presidential address illustrates how making meaning out of play, using illusions and myths in courses and seeking truth through praxis in advocacy research and public sociology can challenge students to higher levels of critical thinking. It is suggested that this can be done by building on ideas of Postman and Weingartner's Teaching as a Subversive Activity and Paolo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

United States, Evaluation, Truth, Speeches, addresses, etc., Speeches, Orations, Illusion (Philosophy)

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