Words and Distinctions for the Common Good: Practical Reason in the Logic of Social Science

Social scientists often disagree about key words and distinctions in their research, which can be misconceived. Gabriel Abend argues that these disagreements arise from two questions: how a social science community should use its most important words and what distinctions it should accept. He calls on social science communities to work together on these decisions, with the common good, justice, and equality playing a significant role in the logic of scientific research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Social scientists, who engage in research on diverse topics such as gender, capitalism, populism, race and ethnicity, among others, make descriptive and explanatory claims about empathy, intelligence, neoliberalism, and power. They provide advice to policymakers on issues related to diversity, digitalization, work, and religion. However, as Gabriel Abend highlights in his provocative book, these scholars cannot agree on what these concepts are and how to identify them. Disputes of this nature arise frequently in the social sciences.

Abend argues that these disagreements have been misconceived in two ways. Firstly, they conflate two distinct questions: how a social science community should use its most important words and what distinctions it should accept and work with. Secondly, there is no factual basis for these disagreements. Instead, they are practical questions aimed at achieving epistemically and morally good outcomes within the community. Abend calls upon social science communities to collaborate on developing their words, distinctions, and classifications. They must make collective decisions regarding the usage of words, the acceptability of distinctions, and the criteria for evaluating both. These decisions should not be left to individual scholars, as the community ultimately has the final say.

According to Abend, the logic of scientific research should prioritize the common good, justice, and equality. He suggests that social science communities should strive to develop a shared understanding of these principles that can guide their research and policy recommendations. By working together, social scientists can contribute to a more informed and equitable society.

In conclusion, social scientists' disagreements about key words and distinctions have been misconceived. These disputes arise from a conflation of two questions and a lack of factual basis. By collaborating and making collective decisions, social science communities can develop a shared understanding of important concepts and contribute to the betterment of society. Gabriel Abend's book provides valuable insights into this issue and offers a roadmap for achieving epistemic and moral good outcomes in social science research.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691247069