What are the theorems of Social Science that it deserves to be called

  • Thread starter Thread starter Phrak
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Science
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of social sciences as a legitimate scientific discipline, specifically questioning the existence of fundamental theorems or theories within the field. It includes explorations of various branches of social science and the terminology used to describe theoretical constructs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what theorems exist in social science that justify its classification as a science.
  • Another participant challenges the understanding of social science, suggesting that it encompasses various branches such as anthropology, economics, and political science, which may contain theories.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the term "theorem" may not be appropriate for social sciences, proposing that "hypothesis" might better describe the theoretical constructs in this field.
  • Examples of theories, such as Marxist theory, are provided to illustrate the nature of theoretical claims in social sciences, although they note the absence of concise mathematical proofs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology and classification of theories in social science, with no consensus on whether the term "theorem" is applicable or what constitutes a fundamental theorem in the field.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in defining theoretical constructs within social sciences and the potential limitations of applying mathematical terminology to these theories.

Phrak
Messages
4,266
Reaction score
7
What are the theorems of Social Science that it deserves to be called a science?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Do you understand what social science is? It appears not.

Perhaps here is a good start for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_sciences
Branches of Social Science:
# 2.1 Anthropology
# 2.2 Economics
# 2.3 Education
# 2.4 Geography
# 2.5 History
# 2.6 Law
# 2.7 Linguistics
# 2.8 Political science

Are you saying that none of the above contain any theories or the like? Or are you just curious if there are any theories?
 
Last edited:


jarednjames said:
Do you understand what social science is? It appears not.

Perhaps here is a good start for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_sciences


Are you saying that none of the above contain any theories or the like? Or are you just curious if there are any theories?

I'm asking if their are any fundamental theorems of social science.
 


Not sure if the term "theorem" is used, but here's an example of a broad "theory".

"Marxist theory contends that socialism is just a transitional stage on the road to communism"
(from wikipedia, referenced)

Now surely you understand one can't write down a concise mathematical proof of this. I suspect the word "hypothesis" would be more appropriate to social studies.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
751
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
22K
Replies
7
Views
2K