The role of values in the causal explanation of social historical phenomena; Reconstructing Max Weber's post-positivist approach

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Sociology is a science that explains social phenomena. But the nature of causal explanation in the social sciences has always been controversial. One of the main disputes in the causal explanation of social phenomena is about the relationship between knowledge and value, whether it is necessary and possible for the social scientist to avoid the entry of cultural values or whether values are the logical elements of causal analysis. In this case, how can a value-laden causal analysis be objective and valid for others? The response of the classics and contemporaries of sociology and social theory to the possibility of "objectivity of value-based analysis" can be formulated in the form of two competing theses. Positive thesis; Causal analysis is Value-Neutrality and objective. From post-positive; Causal analysis is value-laden but objective. The present paper argues through the analysis of Weber's post-positivist theory that, first; Causal analysis is value-laden. Second; value-laden causal explanation is not only detrimental to objectivity but also a condition for achieving objectivity in the social sciences.

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