Philosophy of Science for Social Sciences and Humanities

Understanding how knowledge is constructed in the social sciences and humanities requires examining the philosophical principles behind research methods, interpretation, and theory building. This course provides a clear introduction to the philosophy of social scientific knowledge, guiding you through foundational terminology and essential concepts. You will examine the historical evolution of social thought and learn how different methodological approaches shape modern qualitative and quantitative research. What you'll learn: - Understand foundational concepts in the epistemology and ontology of social research - Analyze key historical perspectives and paradigms in the humanities and social sciences - Evaluate methodological approaches including interpretivism, positivism, and critical theory - Explore value dimensions, objectivity, and research ethics in social inquiry - Examine modern interdisciplinary challenges, including digital humanities and data-driven research paradigms - Apply philosophical reasoning to analyze contemporary debates in social sciences The course begins with primary definitions, historical context, and essential terminology before progressing into methodological frameworks and modern research dilemmas. Designed specifically for beginners, students, and early-stage researchers, no prior background in advanced philosophy is required. Read through the lessons to build a strong theoretical foundation for your social and humanistic studies.