objectivity and values

• What is one view of science mentioned in the text?

  It produces true knowledge
• How do scientists approach their research according to the text?

  They take a detached and objective approach
• What influences our values according to the text?

  Class, gender, ethnicity, upbringing, experiences
• Can sociologists study society objectively and without bias?

  There is debate about this possibility
• What is 'committed sociology'?

  Using values to improve society through research
• What do early positivists believe about sociology's role?

  • Discover the truth about society
  • Uncover laws governing society's functioning
  • Solve social problems and improve human life
• Who regarded sociology as the 'queen of the sciences'?

  Auguste Comte
• What did Karl Marx believe his method could reveal?

  The line of development of human society
• What is the ultimate goal of Marx's historical materialism?

  To achieve a classless communist society
• How did Marx view the role of sociology?

  To reveal the truth to the proletariat
• What distinction does Max Weber make in his approach?

  Between value judgments and facts
• According to Weber, can facts prove value judgments?

  No, they belong to different realms
• What are the four stages of Weber's research process?

  1. Values as a guide to research
  2. Data collection and hypothesis testing
  3. Values in the interpretation of data
  4. Values and the sociologist as a citizen
• How does Weber view the role of values in selecting research topics?

  Values help select important facts to study
• What does Weber say about data collection?

  Values must be kept out of the process
• Why are values important in interpreting data according to Weber?

  They influence the choice of theoretical framework
• What does Weber argue about sociologists' moral responsibility?

  They must address moral and political issues
• What are the two reasons modern positivists argue their values are irrelevant?

  1. Desire to appear scientific
  2. Social position of sociology
• What do modern positivists believe about sociology's role?

  To establish truth about people's behavior
• What does Alvin Gouldner argue about American sociologists in the 1950s?

  They became 'spiritless technicians'
• What does Gouldner criticize about sociologists' attitudes?

  They avoid criticizing their paymasters
• What is the stance of committed sociology?

  • Sociologists should spell out their values
  • They should take sides in their research
  • Values guide research and interpretation
• What does Gunnar Myrdal argue about sociologists' values?

  They should openly take sides
• What does Gouldner argue about value-free sociology?

  It is impossible and undesirable
• What does Gouldner suggest about sociologists selling their knowledge?

  They can sell it for harmful purposes
• What is the concept of 'value-free' sociology?

  Research without influence from personal values
• Who were the classical sociologists mentioned?

  Comte, Durkheim, Marx, Weber
• How did Enlightenment thinking influence early positivists?

  It shaped their view of sociology's role
• What is the critique of sociologists as 'problem takers'?

  They no longer define their own research problems
• What is the relationship between sociology and political responsibility?

  Sociologists must address moral implications
• What promise did sociologists make regarding their paymasters?

  They would not criticize their paymasters
• What did Weber criticize sociologists for?

  Not taking moral responsibility for their work
• What is committed sociology?

  • Advocates taking sides in research
  • Values and interests of specific groups emphasized
  • Example: Gunnar Myrdal's perspective
• Who argues that sociologists should take sides?

  Gunnar Myrdal
• What does Gouldner argue about value-free sociology?

  It is impossible and undesirable
• Why does Gouldner believe value-free sociology is undesirable?

  Sociologists sell services to the highest bidder
• What does Becker ask regarding sociologists' positions?

  Whose side are we on?
• What perspective do positivists and functionalists traditionally take?

  Viewpoint of powerful groups
• What does Becker suggest sociologists should do?

  Take the side of the underdogs
• Why is it important to empathize with the underdog?

  To reveal a hidden side of social reality