My Reading Notes

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Conceptualizing IR theory!

Epistemology-Ontlogy-Methodology

Theory of (how to get to knowledge IR) vs Theory of (Nature of knowledge of IR) vs Theory of (rationales, modes and principles that define research in IR)

Epistemology - The study of knowledge

• What is the method used to be able to come to understanding this knowledge/get to this knowledge
• The purpose of knowledge- Empirical evidences, descriptive definitions
• Direct “Observations” of things around us using our SENSES to construct knowledge
  • where as constructivism constructs theory first then use it as a ground to come to reality and practice!**

Positivism (kinda like a mix between Epistemology-Methodology

• is an approach that views the world as ‘out there’ waiting be observed and analysed by the researcher.
• Theories that are built on positivism see the world ‘as it is’ and base their assumptions upon analysing physical elements such as states and international organisations, which they can account for and ascribe values to.
• Positivism is therefore based on the study of facts and the gathering of physical evidence. It is related to the scientific view of the natural world as being one that operates via laws (such as gravity) that can be revealed by careful study and observation. Positivists assert that equivalent laws can be revealed about the social world.

Post positivism

• rejects the positivist approach that a researcher can be an independent observer of the social world.
• Postpositivists argue that the ideas, and even the particular identity, of a researcher influences what they observe and therefore impacts upon what they conclude.
• Postpositivism pursues objective answers by attempting to recognise, and work with, such biases with the theories and knowledge that theorists develop.