Münchhausen-objectivity

a bootstrap-conception of objectivity as a methodological norm

Adri Smaling

pp. 155-165

in: Michael E. Hyland, William J. Baker, René van Hezewijk, Terwee (eds), Recent trends in theoretical psychology, Berlin, Springer, 1990

Abstract

There is a proliferation of different conceptions of scientific objectivity. Most of these conceptions are related to certain approaches in science in general or in psychology in particular, such as: the empirical-analytical approach, the interpretative-hermeneutical approach, and the critical- dialectical approach. Because of the one-sidedness or the lack of clarity of these conceptions some philosophers and scientists dropped objectivity as an inherent attribute of science altogether. In this article I will present the Münchhausen-conception of objectivity as a methodological norm. Using this conception, objectivity can be restored as an inherent attribute of the scientific enterprise; furthermore, objectivity can be seen as epistemologically relatively neutral. In addition, attention will be paid to the relation of Münchhausen- objectivity to such methodological norms as reliability and validity.