Methodology of the Social Sciences in the Age of Complexity: Unity, Autonomy or Integration?

Abstract

The principle of ‘unity of sciences’ (comprising natural, social and human sciences) has a long history. While the term ‘unity’ lends itself to various interpretations, in recent years it is generally understood as ‘methodological unity’. In opposition to the ‘unity’ viewpoint, several social scientists have argued for the methodological autonomy of social sciences. This article attempts to analyze the reasons behind the triumph of the ‘unity’ principle around the 1960s, and how it ushered in an era of formalism in social sciences, especially economics. Dissatisfaction with formalism, in general, and Bourbakism, in particular, in recent years has prompted the search for alternative methodologies in the social sciences, with complexity theory offering much promise.JEL: A12, B41