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A Critique of the Positivist Paradigm in Human Sciences

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  • Jaja, Ibifuro Robert

    (Department of Philosophy, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria)

  • Idoniboye, Omiete

    (Department of Philosophy, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria)

  • Amadi, Cornelius Chukwudi PhD

    (Department of Philosophy, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria)

Abstract

Positivism is prominent term in the human sciences due to its cherished claim of objective knowledge. However, the continuous scrutiny of our knowledge claims has shook the very foundation in which positivism stands on. The rather slow reaction of proponents of positivism to the criticisms levied on their paradigm have also truncated the development of the human sciences. This paper therefore critically appraises the positivism with the intention to make clear its strong points and pitfalls. We established the philosophical foundations of the positivist paradigm and the philosophical implication of the tenets of positivism was highlighted. The study contended that the attainment of objective knowledge and generalizable laws in the human sciences is almost impossible. In conclusion, this paper calls for the accommodation of other methodologies or paradigms in the human sciences and a reconsideration of the objective of the human sciences.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaja, Ibifuro Robert & Idoniboye, Omiete & Amadi, Cornelius Chukwudi PhD, 2022. "A Critique of the Positivist Paradigm in Human Sciences," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 6(3), pages 224-229, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:6:y:2022:i:3:p:224-229
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