The Theories and Methodologies of Problems, Illustrated on the Basis of Theoretical Problems of Sociology

The following schema relative to scientific discovery was proposed by K. R. Popper (Objective Knowledge, an Evolutionary Approach, London, 1972): problems generate scientific theories that attempt to solve them; theories give rise to experiments that falsify them; this in turn generates new problems, etc. They are investigated here from a critical standpoint. A formal-logical theory of problems is proposed that should help in formulating & handling scientific problems. Methodological rules, principles, & recommendations are derived from the theory, & illustrated by means of problems taken from the field of sociology. The theory of problems has a critical aspect as well as a constructive one. It can be used to eliminate unscientific practices as well as to criticize the practices of a particular science at a particular time & place. This is what should be done for the particular case of Dutch sociology today. One branch of it remains faithful to the old tradition of empirical research, & can be criticized for dealing with problems that are too fragmented, & for not paying enough attention to general theories that have a high information content. The other tendency is in the direction of a social philosophy, where rambling & the failure to define problems adequately seem to be prevalent. A. Orianne.