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Soft Science *
Author(s) -
BLANDY RICHARD
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
economic record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.365
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1475-4932
pISSN - 0013-0249
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-4932.1985.tb02026.x
Subject(s) - rhetorical question , futures contract , value (mathematics) , epistemology , sociology , philosophy , mathematics , economics , linguistics , statistics , financial economics
The rhetorical nature of understanding in the social sciences is described — a mode of understanding fitting comfortably with sciences such as paleontology, archeology and meteorology. The search for unique, value‐free truths is inappropriate as an epistemology. The pursuit of value‐freedom has been a major handicap in understanding social dynamics. Value‐freedom also rubs off on inferior dynamic performance. More positive images of futures are needed.