Going Astray With a Logical Scheme

Perspective and Method

Bibliographic Data

ID2480799
AuthorsHerbert Blumer (University of California System, corresponding author)
Year1983
Volume6
Issue1
Pages127-137
Publication date1983-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSymbolic Interaction (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0195-6086 • E-ISSN: 1533-8665
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1525/si.1983.6.1.127
OpenAlexW2087054637
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited2

In "Going Astray with a Logical Scheme," Herbert Blumer critiques the tendency in sociological research to prioritize rigid, pre-conceived logical schemes over the dynamic and emergent nature of social reality. He argues that imposing such schemes distorts the understanding of social processes, leading researchers to misinterpret data and draw faulty conclusions. Blumer emphasizes the importance of "sensitizing concepts" that guide inquiry without imposing a fixed structure, allowing for a more nuanced and accurate grasp of the meanings and interpretations that shape social interaction. He illustrates his argument with examples of how logical schemes can lead researchers astray in studying concepts like industrialization and social movements. Ultimately, Blumer advocates for a research approach grounded in symbolic interactionism, which prioritizes understanding the subjective experiences and interpretations of individuals within their social contexts

Cognitive science · Epistemology · Scheme (mathematics) · Classical Philosophy and Thought · Computer Science · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and Theoretical Science · Psychology

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