Value freedom and commitment

Cards (2)

  • 20th century positivists
    Argued their values were irrelevant to their research as science is naturally concerned with matter of fact (not value), sociologists should remain morally neutral
  • Gouldner
    Argued by 1950's American sociologists had become "spiritless technicians" hiring themselves out to the government
    • tried to dodge moral issues raised by undertaking tasks like helping prevent revolutions in South America