Bias in Interpreting Social Facts: Is It a Sin?

The norms that underly the development of science in seventeenth century England have been the subject of much study. Robert Merton, a pioneer in the field of the sociology of science, has also identified norms that are currently important in the "ethos of science." However, the current normative structure of science can only be accounted for by developments in the 19th century which modified the earlier norms emphasizing the power of reason. Herbert Spencer, one of the 19th century developers of the new discipline of the social sciences, discussed in detail the human perceptual problem, emphasizing the negative effect of bias on the understanding of social facts. His treatment of bias is reviewed in this article and is shown to be analogous to a theological view of sin. The serious and pervasive effects of bias are explored. Bias is seen as subtly associated with positive social forces. The antidotes of disciplined thought and self-criticism are recommended. This secularized view of sin provides a basis for the kinds of norms identified by Merton and for developments in social scientific methodology.