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Münchhausen-objectivity

a bootstrap-conception of objectivity as a methodological norm

Adri Smaling

pp. 155-165

Abstract

There is a proliferation of different conceptions of scientific objectivity. Most of these conceptions are related to certain approaches in science in general or in psychology in particular, such as: the empirical-analytical approach, the interpretative-hermeneutical approach, and the critical- dialectical approach. Because of the one-sidedness or the lack of clarity of these conceptions some philosophers and scientists dropped objectivity as an inherent attribute of science altogether. In this article I will present the Münchhausen-conception of objectivity as a methodological norm. Using this conception, objectivity can be restored as an inherent attribute of the scientific enterprise; furthermore, objectivity can be seen as epistemologically relatively neutral. In addition, attention will be paid to the relation of Münchhausen- objectivity to such methodological norms as reliability and validity.

Publication details

Published in:

Hyland Michael E., Baker William J, van Hezewijk René, Terwee Sybe J S (1990) Recent trends in theoretical psychology: proceedings of the third biennial conference of the international society for theoretical psychology april 17–21, 1989. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 155-165

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4613-9688-8_14

Full citation:

Smaling Adri (1990) „Münchhausen-objectivity: a bootstrap-conception of objectivity as a methodological norm“, In: M. E. Hyland, W.J. Baker, R. Van Hezewijk & S.J.S. Terwee (eds.), Recent trends in theoretical psychology, Dordrecht, Springer, 155–165.