04:192:200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Nominalism, Metatheory, Knowledge
4 Feb 2019
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Document Summary
Meta-theory = theory about the theory created . Meta-theoretical commitments define different perspectives to theory development & inquiry. There are real entities out there whether we perceive them or know of the. Nothing exists in a meaningful way until we name or labels it (shapes structure reality) Social constructionist stance: (middle ground between realist & nominalist) We create the social world intersubjectively (communicative interaction) Then treat that as though it were real. Causal explanations of the social world; developed through separation of knower and known and the scientific method. What causes what; patterns that explain our world (behavior) Knowledge is local and emergent; developed through situated knowledge and reports of cultural insiders. Lots of little truths (localized knowledge/ grey area ) Often leads to different methodological approaches also. Most theorists now reject the idea that values can be totally eliminated from the research process. Some scholars believe values only play a role in a few parts of the research process.
