Facts and values Essay Example

to knowledge. The advancement of social sciences required applying empiricism for more effective generalizations and problem-solving. However, different traditions emerged due to variations in research patterns. The empiricist tradition solely relies on empirical information with a mathematical and value-free approach despite differences in human behavior and outcomes. This can result in disruptions as it only reflects positive traditions. Consequently, using this approach when studying human behaviors is unlikely to produce a theory free from values. Critical theorists argue that every school of thought has contextual reasons influenced by power structures governing knowledge based on their interests serving powerful policies within a chaotic political order (Harris, 2001).The realist and liberal schools of thought have different justifications for the status quo and capitalist interests. Samuel P Huntington's clash of civilizations concept and Francis Fukuyama's theory of the End of History both influence US foreign policy in the 90s, advocating for a liberal world order (Ritzger, Smart, 2001).

According to online dictionaries, facts are truths known through experience or observation, while values are the ideals and customs respected by society. Values can be positive or negative, giving meaning to facts. Sociological facts are guided by values.

Behavioralism brought about a significant shift in thinking during the age of reason and enlightenment in the 1600s within the social sciences.The transformation that began with the study of the natural world has expanded to include the study of social sciences or soft sciences. It is now widely believed that scientific discipline encompasses most phenomena in both the natural and societal realms. Social scientists utilize specialized techniques, such as participant observation, primary sources, focus group discussions, and sampling, to gather empirical data. However, this

reliance on empirical data presents a challenge when studying subjective aspects such as intelligence, opinions, attitudes, emotions, power, and authority. This confusion also sparks a debate regarding the ability to distinguish facts from values. One example of this distinction can be seen in how cancer is defined by different treatment approaches and attitudes towards the disease. Additionally, researchers approach measuring attitudes towards economic systems differently in various societies. German sociologist Weber introduced Werturteilsfreiheit (value-freedom) as a means to achieve freedom from value judgments in social sciences. According to him, this involves maintaining a rational distance between causal assumptions and empirical generalizations in science and value judgments influenced by moral, political, and aesthetic choices. Social scientists acknowledge the importance of considering both fact and value in their work.According to Weber (1949), not everyone observes the distinction he made. He argued that values impact how social science research is conducted and that research outcomes also influence values. Facts can shape one's perspective and influence their values. Evaluations play a role when studying human subjects, and researchers can identify their motivations through comprehensive explanations. Discussing values in research allows researchers to clarify their perspectives and have conversations with each other. Values contribute to science empirically, and their practical implications are evaluated. Additionally, new values can be discovered and their factual consequences assessed (Weber, 1949). Value is not solely determined by facts; it is subjective by nature (Weber, 1949). This subjectivity arises due to conflicting values described as "warring gods" by Weber in the modern world. Humans are cultural beings who are bound by culture, values, norms, and traditions. Both researchers and respondents cannot eliminate the cultural implications in

their work. Social scientists must recognize the need for cultural science as cultural beings give meaning to the world. Cultural values within this field change over time. Weber emphasized that research cannot be conducted neutrally but rather acknowledges the necessity of considering cultural influences (Weber's concept of value-freedom).Cultural values and facts are intricately connected, with each relying on the other. Cultural facts provide significance to values and norms within their cultural context. According to Weber's idea, facts should be scientifically studied, recognizing that science alone cannot solve all of humanity's problems. Empirical researchers aim for objectivity in an unbiased setting. Conversely, interpretive research aims to reflect personal viewpoints by combining values and meanings. The empiricist approach states that empirical data and evidence form the foundation of all social research. Social researchers use evidence to support and comprehend their ideas through the interaction between ideas and evidence. Unlike natural science, universal laws do not exist in social science; instead, there are generalizations based on observed facts derived from firsthand experiences made by the researcher. This direct relationship between the researcher and society is crucial in social research. The empirical school emphasizes collecting data through sensory perception—a term originating from ancient Greek medical practitioners who relied on personal experience and observation rather than following basic principlesEmpiricism, as a theory, asserts that knowledge is acquired through experience and evidence obtained via the senses. In scientific terms, empiricism involves gathering data solely from observable evidence or utilizing precise scientific instruments. The researcher's objective is to comprehend the connection between human senses and the object under study. They employ tools to familiarize themselves with standard objects and record outcomes before

extrapolating them to unfamiliar objects. This approach can be viewed as an empirical method since facts and values are essential components of any society. Facts derive significance from values, while values are influenced by facts.

During scientific investigations of social phenomena involving interactions among multiple individuals, only systematic methods are employed. Values and norms act as guiding principles in these interactions. Values represent a system of ethical or behavioral standards highly esteemed by a specific society. Without values, life would lack clarity and purpose, thus constituting a fundamental aspect of being human.

Everything in the world is relative, and truth is subjective and constructed based on perception. Our understanding of truth is shaped by our perception, with humans being the sole beings capable of perceiving things absolutely true. Therefore, facts within the realm of social reality exist within a value-driven framework.

Earnest Najel, Longino, and Karl Marx cannot be deemed entirely incorrect in their perspectivesHowever, it is important to review every phenomenon within the social field to a considerable extent. While I don't fully align with any particular viewpoint, I do want to highlight perspectives that shed light on the subject. Science has greatly advanced and mechanized our lives, and it is not against using the scientific method in social research. However, when it comes to human thoughts, development holds much more significance. Humans are influenced by their surrounding world and environment as social beings, so seeking objectivity when applying scientific methods in social fields is crucial.

Before comparing natural science with societal phenomena and utilizing them simultaneously, it is essential for them to be identical in terms of subject matter, application, and generalization. Are the patterns in theories

similar in these aspects? Social science relies on rules while natural science relies on laws. Social theories need to be reduced to natural theories. Although retroflexively examining a societal phenomenon for experimental purposes might be possible, this approach cannot be universally applied due to differences in behavior, culture, and societal norms which can have a significant impact.

Anatol Francis compared the distinction between animals and humans to the difference between literature and falsehoods.The scientific approach is inflexible in its conclusions, categorizing them as either correct or incorrect. However, this is not always the case. Social scientific theses are not universally compatible and cannot be universally tested or verified due to variations in values among different societies. Science does not provide perceptions; it only informs individuals of what they can or cannot do within their value systems. In other words, by treating ideas as a coherent system of thought, science can inform an individual about what is possible and what contradicts their value system.

Social constructivists argue that understanding the production of scientific knowledge requires considering all causally relevant factors in accepting an idea, rather than focusing solely on those deemed relevant by the researcher. Science often represents knowledge held by elites. The authoritative explanation of knowledge can lead to differences, while tradition also plays a role in shaping one's knowledge system. Issues with societal policy stem not only from technical considerations of specific goals but also from disagreements about overarching normative standards rooted in general cultural values.

This struggle over cultural values occurs not only between "class interests" but also between broader perspectives on life and existence.Non-scientific information relies on trust, much like scientific knowledge which grows through

relying on the testimony of others. This raises implications for understanding the reliability of scientific knowledge. Throughout history, except for a few notable individuals such as Caroline Herschel, Barbara Mcclintock, and Marie Curie, men have dominated the sciences. Feminists have turned to Marxist theories and developed standpoint theory, which suggests that group beliefs reflect their social interests. Consequently, scientific theories accepted within contexts marked by power divisions like gender will reflect the interests of those in power. It is expected that alternative perspectives will emerge from those consistently excluded from power (Rose 1983; Haraway 1978). Objective science needs to differentiate between value judgments and empirical knowledge while striving for an understanding of factual truths. The practical involvement of scientists plays a crucial role in determining analytical focus. The field of interpretative societal sciences can be traced back to Max Weber, a German sociologist, and Wilhelm Dilthey, another German philosopher. This field closely relates to hermeneutics, a term originating in the 19th century that implies complex meanings are not easily apparent.In order to fully comprehend the meanings discussed, researchers utilize methods like participant observation and field research. These methods involve systematically analyzing social actions by directly observing individuals in their natural environments. The objective of this type of research is to gain a profound understanding of societal life and how people construct meanings in their everyday contexts. Ultimately, the aim of interpretative societal science research is to uncover the underlying significance and universal laws that govern human behavior (Weber, 1949).

To summarize, all studies and research conducted within the social sciences strive to reveal the meaning and truths behind prevailing values. They provide scientific explanations for

facts and uncover universal laws pertaining to human behavior. It should be noted that separating values from facts is not valid since they are interconnected. Values are closely intertwined with daily life in our society (Barton, 1999, p232).

All research carried out is empirical and rooted in society which consists of human beings. Research is an ongoing process that constantly evolves as existing knowledge and paradigms are not flawless. The primary goal is to establish scientific laws regarding human behavior which inherently involves considering values. In any cultural, social, or communal reflection, facts elucidate the values and norms specific to that particular society.Social scientists collect and interpret data to understand different cultures. They argue that objectivity and subjectivity, or reality versus values, are only applicable within specific cultural contexts. The authors suggest that the theory of debate can achieve what pure logic cannot: justifying a human community's actions when objective truth is not available (Bizzel and Herzberg, 2001, p.1377).

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