The phenomenological foundation of the social sciences

Thomas Nenon

University of Memphis

pp. 173-186

in: Lester Embree (ed), Schutzian social science, Berlin, Springer, 1999

Abstract

After discussing the need of all empirical sciences for a foundation in a non-empirical science outside of themselves, I argue that the social sciences need such a foundation for "practical" and theoretical reasons. I argue that phenomenological philosophy is well suited to provide it by setting the assumptions made by the social sciences within a broader framework of systematically examined beliefs, but philosophical reflection cannot replace the empirical research specific to the social sciences.