Lecture 5: hermeneutics and interpretive methodology

Question 1

what is hermeneutics

Answer 1

the use of one’s own perspective can make a significant contribution to social science

• emphasis on representation
• one’s perspective always plays a role in scientific research
• more holistic perspective

Question 2

what does rene descartes say about hermeneutics

Answer 2

There is certain knowledge about the existence of the mind, a ‘thinking ego’
- how does the ‘thinking ego’ acquire knowledge of the world around us?

Question 3

subject-object distinction

Answer 3

• part of the empirical-analytic method

- presupposes a gap between researcher (subject) and reality being investigated (object)

Question 4

realism vs constructivism

Answer 4

realisme: is the text a ‘pure representation’ of reality
constructivism: or rather a product that looks like function

Question 5

Dilthey vs gadamer on the ideal of objectivity

Answer 5

Dilthey: possible to have objectivity in social science, but only if interpretations are based on the cultural context in which motivates and intentions are expressed
Gadamer: drop the ideal of objectivity, you always approach reality from your own perspective and experience. You must use them to be able to understand

Question 6

2 forms of reflexive stance

Answer 6

1. bracketing: ignoring your own vies, values and beliefs
   - nadeel: hoe kunnen wetenschapper doen wat iedereen zo lastig vind (hun eigen biases begrijpen en omschrijven)
2. full disclosure: describe your own position as well as possible
   - nadeel: je kan nog steeds biased zijn over wat je onthult

Question 7

asymmetry thesis

Answer 7

false belief and illogical inference need to be explained, true and logical beliefs do not.
- example: explaining azande witch practices because we don’t understand them

Question 8

cultural relativism

Answer 8

cultures should be understood according to their own norms of what is right
- problem: now everything is relative: how can one culture analyze another

Question 9

principle of charity

Answer 9

interpret so that your interlocutors have mostly true beliefs
- assume that people a researcher speaks with are competent users of their own language