Max Weber presents a method for conducting social science research intended to provide some degree of objectivity within the field of study. His theory of objectivity was in response to an on- going debate over the correct method of study for the social sciences. There was a prominent belief that the social sciences should emulate the same sort of objective scientific method used in the study of the natural science in order to establish general laws. The other view termed the “historic school”, advanced the idea that the role of analysis within the field of social science is to describe the subjective motivations of actors given their particular historical context. Weber’s methodology is more similar to the second school of thought. For Weber
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Within the study of social sciences however, social scientists are presented with very abstract terms, like “economic theory”. In order to make sense of these abstract terms, Weber suggests the use of ideal types. Weber explains that Ideal types are analytical constructs that serve as a measuring tool whereby social scientists analyze the similarities and dissimilarities between empirical reality and the ideal type (Weber …show more content…
This is simply because for Weber, the focus of sociology is the study of subjective meanings that individual’s associate with their actions (Weber 269). The ideal type is formed by “one-sided accentuation” of certain view-points, and it serves as a tool of measurement that allows social scientists to compare against reality. The ideal type is comprised of certain characteristics that are given to a particular phenomenon. It is not a description of reality, it is merely a mental construct of ideas that help the researcher to interpret social phenomena (274). Objectivity can only be achieved when researchers eliminate their own subjective views in the process of their analysis and follow the evidence wherever it leads them (278). Weber ends his discussion of objectivity in the social sciences by expressing his worries about what will become of his field of study in the future. He is concerned that in the current age of specialization cultural science researchers will simply see data as an ends in itself and will thus lose their appreciation for evaluating the value of individual facts
Within the study of social sciences however, social scientists are presented with very abstract terms, like “economic theory”. In order to make sense of these abstract terms, Weber suggests the use of ideal types. Weber explains that Ideal types are analytical constructs that serve as a measuring tool whereby social scientists analyze the similarities and dissimilarities between empirical reality and the ideal type (Weber …show more content…
This is simply because for Weber, the focus of sociology is the study of subjective meanings that individual’s associate with their actions (Weber 269). The ideal type is formed by “one-sided accentuation” of certain view-points, and it serves as a tool of measurement that allows social scientists to compare against reality. The ideal type is comprised of certain characteristics that are given to a particular phenomenon. It is not a description of reality, it is merely a mental construct of ideas that help the researcher to interpret social phenomena (274). Objectivity can only be achieved when researchers eliminate their own subjective views in the process of their analysis and follow the evidence wherever it leads them (278). Weber ends his discussion of objectivity in the social sciences by expressing his worries about what will become of his field of study in the future. He is concerned that in the current age of specialization cultural science researchers will simply see data as an ends in itself and will thus lose their appreciation for evaluating the value of individual facts