Original scientific paper
Approaching science creatively
Branko Bognar
orcid.org/0000-0002-8037-6555
; Faculty of Philosophy, Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
For many dealing with science refers to the application of various methodological and frequently statistical methods, which should serve scientists to better understand a certain segment of the practices and processes of science (Gay & Ariasian, 2000, 8). The statement of the American sociologist Peter L. Berger (1963, 11) that for most sociologists statistical techniques possess a ritual function treated with the same awe, ignorance and dread that the mighty Latin cadences of Thomistic theology are treated by a poor rural priest is still fascinating and current. For Berger, however, statistical indicators do not make sociology (or any other science for that matter); they become sociology only if sociologically interpreted or, more specifically, only once they become a constituent part of a certain theoretical framework. This critical remark gains in importance if we critically reflect on science and its predominantly epistemological function, i.e. from the perspective of creativity which does not aspire to understand the object of its interest as accurately as possible, but rather intends to create the same. In order that science may become part of a creative process, the underlying principles of science need to be critically discussed in great detail; in other words, we must stop unreservedly following the methodological rituals the sake of which is themselves or which serve to maintain the object of their research, which is status quo.
Keywords
scientific paradigms; creativity; action research; approaching science creatively
Hrčak ID:
27851
URI
Publication date:
19.8.2008.
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