Understanding Ontology, Epistemology, and Methodology

Introduction

Exploration of key philosophical concepts in science: ontology, epistemology, methodology.
Importance of understanding these concepts for academic discussions and research.

Philosophical underpinnings are crucial for scientific work.
The relationship between ontology, epistemology, and methodology is similar to an iceberg:
- Visible Part: Methodology and methods.
- Invisible Part: Ontology and epistemology.

Definition: Study of being and existence; how reality is understood.
Different perspectives based on the scientific field:
- Natural Sciences: Objectivism is predominant; belief in an objective reality (e.g., atoms in a particle accelerator).
- Social Sciences: More controversial:
  - Some adopt a natural scientific ontology (e.g., psychology).
  - Others argue for a subjectivist ontology; reality is socially constructed (constructivism).
  - Critical Realism: A middle ground position that has emerged since the 1970s.
Example Question: What defines a chair?
- Objectivist View: Physical characteristics (four legs, backrest).
- Constructivist View: Function and usage (for sitting).

Definition: Study of knowledge acquisition; how we know what we know.
Different epistemological positions:
- Natural Sciences: Positivism; knowledge is concrete, tangible, and objective.
- Social Sciences: More diverse:
  - Knowledge can be subjective and unique (interpretivism).
Alignment of epistemology with ontology:
- Positivist epistemology = Objectivist ontology.
- Interpretivist epistemology = Constructivist ontology.
- Other positions include critical realism.

Definition: The overall approach to research based on philosophical assumptions (ontology and epistemology).
Dominant methodological approaches in social sciences:
- Quantitative Research: Aligns with objectivist/positivist positions.
- Qualitative Research: Aligns with constructivist/interpretivist positions.
Methodological pluralism:
- Flexibility in combining methods across approaches.