There are no better terms available to describe The difference between the approach of the natural and the social sciences than to call the former objective and the latter subjective. ... While for the natural scientist the contrast between objective facts and subjective opinions is a simple one, the distinction cannot as readily be applied to the object of the social sciences. The reason for this is that the object, the facts of the social sciences are also opinions -- not opinions of the student of the social phenomena, of course, but opinions of those whose actions produce the object of the social scientist.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the distinction between the natural sciences and the social sciences. The natural sciences are described as objective since they deal with tangible and observable facts. However, the social sciences are characterized as subjective because they involve studying social phenomena influenced by the opinions and actions of individuals. Unlike in the natural sciences, the object of study for social scientists is also composed of opinions, not just of the researcher but primarily of those whose behavior shapes the subject matter. This highlights the interconnectedness between subjectivity and social dynamics when analyzing social phenomena.

Topics