Q. Which of the following philosophical movements is associated with post-positivism?
A.) Subjectivism
B.) Critical Realism
C.) Empiricism
D.) Objectivism
Correct Answer: (B) Critical Realism
Explanation: Post-positivism is a philosophical approach to knowledge that arose in the mid-20th century as a response to the limitations of positivism. While positivism emphasized the role of empirical observation and scientific methods in the pursuit of knowledge, post-positivism recognizes the limitations and biases of human observation and interpretation and suggests that knowledge is subjective and contingent upon various contextual factors.
In contrast to positivism, post-positivism emphasizes the need for critical thinking, reflection, and interpretation in the pursuit of knowledge. Post-positivists argue that there is no objective, neutral, or value-free way to observe and interpret the world and that scientific methods are inherently subjective and influenced by social and cultural factors.
Examples of post-positivist approaches can be found in many fields, including:
Sociology: Post-positivist sociologists often use critical theory, feminist theory, or postmodern theory to analyze social phenomena and critique dominant power structures and ideologies.
Education: Post-positivist approaches in education often emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning, and question traditional authority structures and knowledge hierarchies.
Short Explanation of each option
- Subjectivism: Subjectivism is the philosophical view that all knowledge is subjective and that there is no objective truth. This view is not associated with post-positivism, as post-positivism recognizes the need for critical reflection and interpretation in the pursuit of knowledge.
- Critical Realism: Critical Realism is a philosophical movement associated with post-positivism, which emphasizes the need for critical reflection and interpretation in the pursuit of knowledge. It recognizes the limitations and biases of human observation and interpretation and suggests that knowledge is subjective and contingent upon various contextual factors.
- Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical movement associated with positivism, which emphasizes the role of empirical observation and scientific methods in the pursuit of knowledge. Empiricists believe that knowledge is based on sense experience and that all knowledge can be reduced to empirical observations.
- Objectivism: Objectivism is a philosophical view that there is an objective reality that exists independently of human consciousness or perception. This view is not associated with post-positivism, as post-positivism recognizes the limitations and biases of human observation and interpretation.
Overall, post-positivism is a critical and reflexive approach to knowledge that emphasizes the role of interpretation, subjectivity, and context in the pursuit of understanding. It offers a more nuanced and complex view of the world than positivism and recognizes the limitations and biases of human observation and interpretation.
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