When you study a society from a particular perspective , we limit our horizon which debar us to see beyond that. That is why I belief in pluralistic approaches. But question is that Is it possible to take various standpoints impartially or in an absoulute manner. if yes, what are the techniques involved?
I don't think any scientist - social or other- can take an impartial stance. Partiality is an essential part of being human. The important thing is to work out where one's impartialities sit, and be honest and open about them.
It's rather simple: Social scientists – like other scientists – AS SCIENTISTS have to be impartial at all and it is method that allows them to be so and allows to control themselves and allows others to control impartiality.
But – like every other person – social scientists are citizens of their political community, e.g. of their country. And AS CITIZENS nobody can be impartial at all. So if a scientist takes side with a specific moral or political position as a citizen, he often does so as an intellectual.
AS an INTELLECTUAL he shares knowledge and the ability of argumentation with social scientists, but he doesn't share scientists' impartiality; as an intellectual he – like all citizens – has and has to have a moral and political standpoint from which he argues.
See: Loer, Thomas (2012): Dzīvesstāsts, method and praxis – A genre of social science data between advances of scientific knowledge and practical empowerment, and how objective hermeneutics can serve both. (Paper for the conference “Oral History: Dialog with Society”, hosted by the Latvian National Oral History Centre of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Latvia in cooperation with the Association of Oral History Researchers of Latvia “Dzāvesstaāsts” and the department of History at Stockholm University; Rīgā, 29th/30th march 2012. v3: 8.3.2012; pp: 6: http://vimeo.com/42197231, zuletzt angesehen am 10. Sept. 2019)
Also: Loer, Thomas (2013): Dzīvesstāsts, method and praxis – A genre of social science data between scientific advances of knowledge and practical empowerment, and how objective hermeneutics can serve both. In: Garda-Rozenberga, Ieva (ed.), Mutvārdu vēsture: Dialogs ar sabiedrību / Oral History: Dialogue with Society, Riga: Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, University of Latvia, 39-56
working honestly will lead us towards objectivity@Stephen Thomas Whittle thank you. I am really impressed with your answer. I will make it in practice.
We have to recognise that total impartiality and objectivity are not always possible. Hence the notion of positionally. However, any serious social scientist will strive to understand and describe others' standpoints and outlooks.
I think ideology and personal sentiments are behind partial statements particularly in social sciences. If they (ideology and personal sentiments) are controlled impartiality can be reached.
Social scientists are human beings and therefore have their own biases and perspectives. It is impossible for anyone to be completely impartial. However, social scientists can strive to take a plurality of standpoints into account when conducting research. This means that they can try to consider different perspectives and viewpoints when analyzing data and drawing conclusions. By doing so, social scientists can help ensure that their research is as objective and unbiased as possible.
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