Objectivity and values

Question 1

What are positivists views on values and objectively?

Answer 1

• Comte & Durkheim> creation of a better society was not a matter of subjective values or personal opinions
• shared view of enlightenment< sociology’s job was to discover the truth about how society works, uncovering the laws that govern its functioning
• sociologists should do this objectively allowing that say with scientific certainty what is best for society

Question 2

How is Karl Marx similar to positivists?

Answer 2

• saw himself as a scientist > he believed his method of materialism & analysis could reveal the line of development of human society
• believed he could reveal the truth of exploitation & oppression by studying the material conditions

Question 3

What is Weber’s view on objectivity and values?

Answer 3

• Weber introduced a more nuanced perspective by drawing a clear distinction between facts and values.
• He argued that sociologists:
• Can and should separate facts from values in their research.
• While values influence the choice of research topics, sociologists should strive to avoid imposing their own values when interpreting results.
  e.g. Research may show that divorcees are statistically more prone to suicide
  This is a factual statement based on empirical evidence.
  However, concluding whether divorce laws should be made stricter is a value judgment.
  Weber argued that value judgments cannot be “proven” by facts—they belong to a separate domain.