Essay Example on Truth in Social Sciences: A Critical Analysis

Introduction

The concept of truth in philosophy and metaphysics language refers to the property of assertions, sentences, thoughts, beliefs, or proportions that are often said in ordinary discourses to agree with the facts or state what the case is(Kagan,2009).

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Issue of Truth in Social Sciences

The idea/issue of truth in social sciences rests on three distinct central tenets, generalizability, reliability as well as validity. Different researchers put diverse emphasis on every criterion in part since some methodologies seem to be better suited to either one or the other; however, in general, all the three are considered desirable in all the disciplines(Kagan,2009). Generalizability refers to the extent to which the results of a specific study tend to be generalized to a larger population(Kagan,2009). For instance, according to sociologists, generalizability is often determined by the research design and the sample paper; if one has enough large and random sample, the results must theoretically apply to the largest population where the sample was drawn(Kagan,2009). Generalizability is very vital to social sciences, especially for the sociologists who aim at revealing recurring patterns representing universal truth since something cannot be considered an explanation by occurring in a single particular instance.

Reliability refers to the extent to which data collected means what the researchers think it might mean. In social sciences and in particular, in sociology, this is usually determined through asking various similar questions in surveys and then checking them statistically to ensure that individuals give the same answers to these specific questions. In regards to this view, if the statistical significance of particular measurements tool of particular results is reliable, there are higher chances that it is true(Kagan,2009). In the case of anthropology, which is also a social science, the process seems more obscure since the researcher has to consider as well as investigate diverse potential sources of bias in both the researcher's perceptions as well as in things the researcher gets from the individuals been studied. The researcher can only make speculations on whether or not the data collected are factual, and the interpretations match that of the research participant; the researcher captures the "insider point of view."

As for validity, it considers the extent to which research conducted captures the reality of the situation and not just whether the collected data is accurate but whether the data is complete as well as valid when it comes to answering all the research questions. Social sciences like sociology have a notorious low validity since no matter the number of factors that get accounted for in surveys designs or experiment; there will always be some hidden factors which cannot be measured(Kagan,2009). However, that does not mean that this study is worthless; various explanatory factors for a specific outcome or problem can be identified and targeted by subsequent policy developments as well as research. Moreover, a single survey can undoubtedly fail to get the exact complex reality of any given situation. As for anthropology, which is also a social science, it is designed around the issue of validity. Researchers can get good ideas of every factor as well as complexities shaping a person's social experience through two months or two-hour participation observation.

For instance, in physical science, "empirical reality" and "general laws" are inseparable and even unimaginable. However, when it comes to social sciences, these terms are considered conflicting views of reality.

Issue of Truth in Humanities

According to humanities, a significant element in a conversation regarding the truth is the relationship that exists between the systems of power and truth making. Unlike social sciences, humanities do not aim at explaining or predicting; however, it aims at understanding human reactions to all the events as well as meanings that humans always impose on life history, historical era, or cultural experiences. According to the humanities truthmaker theorists, for a specific proposition to be considered authentic, it should be accurate in its virtue of existence in some entity referred to as the truthmaker(Kagan,2009). The regimes of truth are specific historical mechanisms that produce ideas that often function as accurate in specific places as well as time. Truth is defined as an event that happens in history but not something that is discovered or even revealed.

Every society has its specific regimes of truth, which are often accepted as functions of truth making. However, the historical events creating truth cannot occur in an objective or independent manner. According to humanities, the truth can be linked to politics of truth, which refers to a circular relation consisting of power systems that produce and even sustain it and also to the powerful effects which it induces and even redirect it (Kagan,2009). .For instance, when an individual looks at an apple, they see a specific color and shape. One can even pick it up, feel the weight as well as the taste. However, the experiences are not what makes us believe that that is a real apple, but the diverse history regimes of truth making are what makes the person determine that the experiences are that of a real apple.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both social sciences and humanities have got diverse explanations when it comes to the issue of truth. However, the humanities offer better explanations by giving views that cover a wider theoretical area informing modern epistemology, specifically when it comes to truth. To make the humanities arguments more illuminating, the humanities theories of truth can be put in simpler terms and describe the truth as a product of belief but not as a relationship outside of the mind of humans that belief can be aligned to since truth is often constructed by majorly what an individual perceives as well as the ultimate believe.

Reference

Kagan, J. (2009). The three cultures: Natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities in the 21st century. Cambridge University Press.