Constructivism in social science methodology: A reconsideration

Abstract

Underlying the resurgence of theory and methods in social science research is the position that has been termed, broadly, 'constructivism'. This article is an attempt to critically engage with this positon. Especially, it will be concerned to tackle the epistemological coordinates that attach to this position, while going on to reposition it in the context of debates in the history and philosophy of science and social science. The objective here is not to argue for one or other of the various sides to the methodological debate on constructivism, but to foreground how both critics and advocates can be addressing the question of scientific knowledge and truth in social science methodology.