Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to critically discuss the extent of interpretivism to understand the contemporary social world. This paper firstly highlights the roots of interpretivism which can be traced back in the ancient history of philosophy. It then discusses the concept of interpretivism and gives a critical commentary on the Weber’s construction of ideal types to help explore the contemporary social world. The paper then further discusses the concept of “verstehen” and explains how it can add to our understanding of the social world phenomena. Following this analysis and tackling some philosophical debate, finally, this theoretical paper confirms that interpretivism has influenced the development of the social science and has helped our understanding of the contemporary social world to a great extent.
Highlights
If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences (Thomas & Thomas, 1928)
Recognition of the subjective component in human action has had a long history in understanding the social world, and a far longer history before sociologists arrived on the historical scene (Merton, 1995)
This recognition could be traced back in the thoughts of the ancient Greek stoic philosopher and sociologist Epictetus who stated that, “it is not actions that alarms or disturbs man, but it is their opinions and fancies about actions” (Merton, 1995). This notion has been in continuation since by the philosophers and sociologists in understanding and interpreting the social world
Summary
If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences (Thomas & Thomas, 1928). Recognition of the subjective component in human action has had a long history in understanding the social world, and a far longer history before sociologists arrived on the historical scene (Merton, 1995) This recognition could be traced back in the thoughts of the ancient Greek stoic philosopher and sociologist Epictetus who stated that, “it is not actions that alarms or disturbs man, but it is their opinions and fancies about actions” (Merton, 1995). Mead (1936) agreed to Thomas Theorem and claimed that if a thing was not recognized as true, it did not function as true in the community This tapestry of studying the social world through a subjective thought and ideas confirms the significance of interpretivism which is to see the world through the eyes of the people being studied, allowing them multiple perspectives of reality, rather than the “one reality” of positivism (Greener, 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
