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Introduction to the Social Sciences. The Scientific Revolution. Rebirth of a scientific worldview The search for truth Reevaluation of preexisting knowledge Materialist conception of the universe Natural law and Deism. The Scientific Worldview. Rationalism and empiricism
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The Scientific Revolution • Rebirth of a scientific worldview • The search for truth • Reevaluation of preexisting knowledge • Materialist conception of the universe • Natural law and Deism
The Scientific Worldview • Rationalism and empiricism • Methodology (Francis Bacon) • Skepticism and tentativity • Amorality of studies (impartiality and objectivity) • Transparency and sharing information • Admission of failure • Exploration of alternative explanations
The Enlightenment and the Birth of the Social Sciences • Applying scientific methodology to the study of human behavior (Science of man) • Improvement of the human condition (Humanism) • Secular thought • Montesquieu • Adam Smith • Beccaria • Diderot • Voltaire
The Social Sciences • Political Science • Anthropology • Psychology • Economics • Sociology • History • International Relations
Some Approaches to the Social Sciences • Rational Choice Theory (individualism) • Conflict Theory (class or ideology)
Non-Scientific Problem Solving • Appeal to the supernatural (prayer and faith) • Pre-existing knowledge (experience) • Intuition (logic and instinct)