Abstract
This article offers a critique of the self-observation of the social sciences practiced in the philosophy of the social sciences and the critique of epistemological orientations. This kind of reflection involves the curious construction of wholes under labels, which are the result of a process of “distillation” or “abstraction” of a “position” somewhat removed from actual research practices and from the concrete claims and findings that researchers produce, share, and debate. In this context, I call for more sociological forms of reflexivity, informed by empirical research on practices in the natural sciences and by sociomaterial approaches in science and technology studies and cultural sociology. I illustrate the use of sociological self-observation for improving sociological research with two examples: I discuss patterns in how comparisons are used in relation to how comparisons could be used, and I discuss how cases are selected in relation to how they could be selected.
Highlights
When practicing social scientists discuss divisions among themselves, and choices open to them, they routinely reference theoretical and epistemological groupings
In a departure from this circular opposition between ideology and critique of ideology, I, along with others, see an opportunity to renew reflection on the social sciences based on sociological observations of research in different disciplines, observations that we judge by similar standards, which we would use to judge studies of the art world, of humanitarianism, or of religion
If we are concerned with reflexivity as a self-observation among practicing sociologists that can inform the improvement of the social sciences, the work in close dialogue with the social studies of the natural sciences has some distinct advantages
Summary
When practicing social scientists discuss divisions among themselves, and choices open to them, they routinely reference theoretical and epistemological groupings. I call for more sociological forms of reflexivity, informed by empirical research on practices in the natural sciences and by sociomaterial approaches in science and technology studies and cultural sociology.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
