Understanding Metric Empirical or Post-Positivist Epistemology:
Metric empirical or post-positivist epistemology is a philosophical framework that deals with the nature of knowledge and how it can be acquired and verified. It is primarily concerned with the study of scientific knowledge and the methods used to obtain that knowledge.
In post-positivist epistemology, knowledge is viewed as tentative and subject to revision based on new evidence and experiences. It rejects the idea of absolute certainty and instead emphasizes the importance of empirical observation, experimentation, and measurement in the pursuit of knowledge.
The term “metric empirical” refers to the emphasis on measurement and quantification in the acquisition of knowledge. This perspective holds that scientific knowledge should be based on observable and measurable phenomena, and that theories and hypotheses should be tested using empirical data. It values objectivity, precision, and replicability in scientific research.
Post-positivist epistemology acknowledges that scientific theories are not absolute truths but rather the best explanations available at a given time. It recognizes that knowledge is influenced by various factors, including cultural, social, and historical contexts. Therefore, it advocates for a critical examination of the underlying assumptions, biases, and limitations of scientific inquiry.
Key proponents of post-positivist epistemology include philosophers of science such as Thomas Kuhn, Karl Popper, and Imre Lakatos. Kuhn, for example, introduced the concept of paradigm shifts, which suggests that scientific knowledge progresses through revolutionary changes in dominant theories rather than through a steady accumulation of facts.
Overall, metric empirical or post-positivist epistemology emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence, measurement, and critical reflection in the acquisition and evaluation of scientific knowledge. It provides a framework for understanding the tentative nature of scientific understanding and the ongoing development and refinement of theories and hypotheses.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 