Between scientism and relativism - Phenomenology, hermeneutics and the new realism in psychology

Author(s): Thompson, J.

Journal/Book: Theor Psychol. 1997; 7: 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Sage Publications Inc. 629-652.

Abstract: Because of the contextual, agentically controlled, uncertain and morally constituted nature of psychological phenomena, psychological inquiry is vulnerable to charges of scientism and relativism. These characteristics of the subject-matter of psychology and the challenges they pose for psychological inquiry are elaborated. Three approaches to conceptualizing psychological studies that might avoid these difficulties are discussed and examined critically: phenomenology, hermeneutics and neorealism. In light of these considerations, psychological inquiry might best be understood as a pluralistic set of necessarily interpretative scholarly studies, warranted by epistemic, moral and existential/experiential considerations, in addition to relevant empirical demonstrations.

Note: Article Martin J, Simon Fraser Univ, Fac Educ, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, CANADA

Keyword(s): epistemology; hermeneutics; neorealism; relativism; scientism; SCIENCE

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