ADM JUS 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Logical Positivism
21 May 2020
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
If theory is adhered to too rigidly ( logical positivism ), it can inhibit full appreciation of the power, complexity, and usefulness of theory. Has the disadvantage of judging the worth of a particular theory on the sole basis of whether or not it best fits quantitative data collected through traditional scientific means. Does not acknowledge the integral role that norms, values, and ideology play in theory development and the process of theorizing. Focus on what is or is not important. Contain a group of ideas or concepts. Specify relationships among the ideas and concepts. Explain why things are the way they are and/or what needs to be changed to alter circumstances. Assumptions and reasoning are dogmatic; rigid, unyielding, and unreflective, full of unquestioned absolutes, and often advance or protect the interest of a particular group or sector of society. Immune to change b/c constitute beliefs systems closed to contradictory evidence and that often use circular reasoning (tautology)
