My Paradigm Can Beat Your Paradigm: Some Reflections on Knowledge Conflicts

Authors

Glenn O. Haworth, San Diego State University

Abstract

Disagreements about knowledge generation and application in social work are examined from a paradigmatic level to try to account for the moral indignation often accompanying the disagreements. The positivist paradigm with its pervasive influence on social science inquiry has been challenged in recent times by a more relativistic, interactive, consciousness based paradigm. The problem of "standardizing Intersubjectivity", and the process of "Inversion of Mastery", are used to examine the paradigm differences. The positivist's accusation that the newer paradigm advocate is "irresponsible", and the rejoinder that positivism contributes to a "damaging hoax" on humankind are the crux of the moral heat of the conflict.

Recommended Citation

Haworth, Glenn O. (1991) "My Paradigm Can Beat Your Paradigm: Some Reflections on Knowledge Conflicts," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 18: Iss. 4, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1999
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol18/iss4/4