What Is Wrong with Social Theory?

摘要: * Paper read at the annual meeting of American Sociological Society, August, 1953. 1 There are two other legitimate and important kinds social theory which I do not propose to assess. One them seeks develop a meaningful interpretation world or some significant part it. Its aim is form scientific propositions but outline define life situations so that people may have clearer understanding their world, its possibilities development, directions along it move. In every society, particularly in changing there need for clarification basic values, institutions, modes living relations. This cannot be met by empirical science, even though help gained from analysis made science. effective fulfillment requires sensitivity new dispositions an appreciation lines take shape. Most past great deal present wittingly unwittingly this interpretative type. type stands own right. A second might termed "policy" theory. It concerned with analyzing given situation, structure, action as basis policy action. communist strategy tactics, conditions sustain racial segregation city, power play labor relations mass production industry, morale potential enemy country. Such theoretical interests Nor mere application knowledge. research inquiry accordance canons The elements nature conThe science analytical schemes concerned. done conceiving abstractly, terms classes objects between such classes. Theoretical essentially proposals where problematic unknown. become guides investigation see whether they implications true. Thus, exercises compelling influence on research-setting problems, staking out leading into asserted turn, findings fact test theories, suggesting problems invite formulation proposals. Theory, interwoven texture operation guiding inquiry, seeking isolating facts, facts affecting fruitfulness interplay means develops. Compared brief sketch general shows grave shortcomings. divorcement glaring. To preponderant extent compartmentalized own, inside feeds itself. We usually localize separate courses fields. For most has literature. lifeline primarily exegesis-a critical exami-