The question of epistemic fallacy in practical research

The case of IR

Bibliographic Data

ID21159614
AuthorsAbbas Farasoo (0000-0001-9820-9491, Deakin University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume23
Issue2
Pages121-143
Publication date2024-03-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Critical Realism (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1476-7430 • E-ISSN: 1572-5138
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14767430.2024.2311999
OpenAlexW4391635535
LanguageEN
References cited51

In international politics, bridging the gap between the real and knowledge poses a persistent challenge as translating the real into concepts and narratives can nurture the epistemic fallacy. Critical realism addresses this by separating ontology from epistemology at the meta-theoretical level, yet in practical research, critical realism tends to impose assumptions about the ontological complexity of the real at the transcendental level. This paper examines the practical difficulty of overcoming the epistemic fallacy in International Relations inquiries, asserting that critical realism does not effectively guide practical inquiries in separating ontology from epistemology at a methodological level. Despite the meta-theoretical separation, research inquiries can remain theory-laden and epistemically dependent. The solution lies in problematizing ontological presentation, and sustaining critique at the discursive level on International Relations theories, methodologies, and implications. This approach maintains a critical focus on ontological aspects at the practical level to deal with the challenge of the epistemic fallacy

Epistemology · Fallacy · Ontology · Realism · Sociology · Transcendental number · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Peacebuilding and International Security · Philosophy · Political Conflict and Governance

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