Sociology and Science

Paper Summary:

Sociology studies human behaviour and society. The writer points out that sociology also is a science; it subscribes to the accepted scientific method of the other natural sciences, however there is much debate and contention about the nature of the scientific method and whether it is entirely applicable to sociological discourse. The writer explains the debate and concludes that sociology is a science - but this statement has to take into account the changing view of what science is.

From the Paper:

"Sociology as a discipline is part of the scientific examination and understanding of human behavior and society. In this sense, and as a science, it attempts to "... discover the causes and effects that arise in social relations among persons and in the intercommunication and interaction among persons and groups." ( Sociology) As a scientific enterprise sociology also includes within its parameters the "... the study of the customs, structures, and institutions that emerge from interaction, of the forces that hold together and weaken them, and of the effects that participation in groups and organizations have on the behaviour and character of persons." ( ibid) Sociology therefore subscribes to the accepted scientific method of the other natural sciences. However there is much debate and contention about the nature of the scientific method and whether it is entirely applicable to sociological discourse."

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