Review article
What Is Truly New in Sociological Method?
Silva Mežnarić
; Institute for Migrations and Nationalities, Zagreb
Abstract
The first translation of Anthony Giddens’ book: New rules of sociological method, in Yugoslavia in the Slovene Language, initiated rather vivid discussions on the actual state of the art of sociological methodology. This essay highlights Giddens’s book within the framework of actual prime topics of sociological methodology: treating Giddens as a NSR (New Social Realist) it tries to interpret his claim about moving sociology out of the Newtonian obsession as a claim close to philosophical relativism (Steven Lukes) and contextualism (Mary Hesse). The author is arguing in favour of Giddens’ notions of dual hermeneutics and practical consciousness that have been reiterated through relativism and contextualism. Universal rationality (relativism) given through basic concepts (Lukes) and contextuality of science (Ilesse) underline both the insufficiencies and advantages of Giddens' »new rules«. The former are illustrated by Gidden’s negligence considering the role of the concept in sociological methodology’; the latter by the possibility of interpreting »practical consciousness« (Giddens) as being a part of the »network of knowledge « (Hesse). Within the given framework, the author concludes, Giddens has not thoroughly succeeded in enlightening us with new rules, but he certainly has given us ideas for fresh questions in the area of sociological epistemology.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
155242
URI
Publication date:
30.9.1990.
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