> Ray, the position you describe is not a post-modern one. It is
> epistemological relativism.
Many thanks for that very informative message, Wendy. I'll have to get
used to the idea of thinking of myself as an epistemological relativist, but
the cap does seem to fit reasonably well.
Where can I find a Faculty of Epistemological Relativity that I can link to?
I'm worried by Wendy's reference to sociologists who 'avoid using survey
data at all'. I share some of that worry, but am more concerned with the
large majority of sociologists who ignore official statistics in general.
Whether the statistics are survey based or administratively based, official
statistics are facts about society as well as facts about government.
Social scientists who ignore official statistics condemn themselves to
political impotence.
It is also disturbing that many Radstats members seem more interested in the
ways in which statistics can by used to support their individual ideological
position than in using statistics as evidence. The kinds of questions you
formulate:
>) were the variables constructed well, in appropriate ways for given
> circumstances?
> b) why were they constructed the way they were?
> c) for those who wish to ignore them, what -DO_ they do instead?
> and assess that in comparison with the use of ethnic variables.
> d) what use are the variables being put to?
Seem to me wholly appropriate.
My question about where can I find a Faculty of Epistemological Relativity
is not asked lightly. Radstats needs to informed by the approach of such a
Faculty.
Ray Thomas
35 Passmore, Tinkers Bridge, Milton Keynes MK6 3DY
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel 01908 679081 Fax 01908 550401
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