What is Science

• What is one of the key debates in sociological theory?

  Whether sociology is a science
• Who are considered the founding fathers of sociology?

  Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim
• What did positivists believe about sociology?

  Sociology can use scientific methods
• How do interpretivist sociologists view sociology?

  They argue sociology is not a science
• What is a key argument against sociology being a science?

  Humans have agency and do not conform
• What does the nature of research methods affect in sociology?

  Whether sociology is considered a science
• Is there universal agreement on how to define science?

  No, there is not universal agreement
• How is science generally viewed in terms of knowledge pursuit?

  As organized, systematic, and cumulative
• What does science emphasize according to some views?

  Proof, testing, and objectivity
• What is empiricism in the context of science?

  Gaining knowledge through observation
• How does empiricism differ from mere theorizing?

  Empiricism relies on observation, not theory