Social science

Question 1

what is social science

Answer 1

“All theories of organisation are based on the philosophy of science and a theory of society” (Burell & Morgan, 1979)

=> We approach our research subject via assumptions about the nature of the social world:

Each of these assumptions has implications for how to investigate and obtain knowledge of the social world.

Question 2

What is Ontological assumption

Answer 2

Ontology concerns the essence of the phenomena that are studied

Question 3

Two basic ontological questions:

Answer 3

1. Is the “reality” to be investigated external to the individual?
2. Is “reality” instead, the product of individual consciousness?

Question 4

Two ways to understand: (ontology)

Answer 4

Realism = views “reality as an objective nature (Is reality given out there in the world)

Nominalism = Views reality as subjective, meaning the product of individual cognition (the product of one´s mind)

Question 5

2. what is Epistemological assumption

Answer 5

Epistemology concerns the basis of knowledge

How can we understand the world and communicate this as knowledge to others?

Question 6

Epistemology Inhabit ideas such as:

Answer 6

What form of knowledge can be obtained?

How can one sort out what is to be regarded as “true” from what is to be regarded as “false”

Question 7

What is the nature of knowledge: 2 basic alternatives

Answer 7

1. Positivism: Knowledge can be acquired

2. Anti-positivism: Knowledge has to be personally experienced.

Question 8

what is Assumptions about human nature:

Answer 8

Human nature concerns the relationship between human beings and their environment