Understanding Social Sciences in the Context of True Sciences

As a biochemist, my view on social sciences is limited to layman’s understanding, based on a few classes and personal experiences. These fields, to me, feel like they are in their infancy, much closer to the exploratory stages we see in disciplines like chemistry or physics compared to the maturity seen in established sciences. However, there is a continuous effort to develop these subjects, making significant strides toward becoming robust scientific disciplines.

The Immaturity of Social Sciences

Often, people might question whether social sciences and economics are genuine sciences, or if they are a pretense. Like any other science, they face challenges and critics. Yet, it is crucial to understand that the presence of fakers and quacks in any science does not render the entire field fake. For instance, while chemistry and physics have advanced significantly, there are still aspects that are not fully understood or predictable. Similarly, social sciences and economics are in a developmental stage and will continue to refine themselves.

Rigor in Observations and Experiments

Building a solid scientific foundation in social sciences often involves careful observations, systematic classification, and analysis of both natural occurrences and carefully designed experiments. These methods are already in place and continue to evolve. While the progress may be slower compared to established sciences, the effort is ongoing.

Non-Deterministic Nature of Human Behavior

One of the key challenges in social sciences is predicting the behavior of human beings, which can be highly variable and difficult to discern. This variability often leads to the failure of theories and models, which might work in some contexts but not in others. Some critics argue that human behavior is too complex to be reduced to clear laws and theories. However, the evolution of these disciplines suggests that while it may take longer, it is possible to develop clear and effective models in the future.

The Role of Large-Number Rules

Compared to the behavior of atoms and molecules, the behavior of large groups of people is influenced by a myriad of factors. Chemistry and physics often deal with systems involving very large numbers of particles, making predictions more stable. In contrast, social sciences focus on understanding and predicting the behavior of large groups, which can be more complex due to the diversity and variability of human interactions. However, this complexity does not render social sciences a fake science. Instead, it reflects the ongoing challenge of refining and advancing predictive models.

Adaptation to Cognitive Dissonance

Individuals who suffer from the malfunction of social science theories might find it difficult to accept these fields as genuine sciences. However, those who are more adaptable and resilient can overcome these setbacks. The probabilistic nature of science means that theories will have both successes and failures. It is important to focus on risk management and acknowledge the inherent uncertainty while also fostering resilience.

Focusing on Risk Management

To navigate the uncertainties of social sciences and economics, one should prioritize risk management. By recognizing the inherent unpredictability and variability, individuals and organizations can better prepare for potential outcomes. Strategies that enhance resilience, such as diversification and contingency planning, can help in mitigating the risks associated with the variable and complex nature of human behavior.

Conclusion

While social sciences and economics are still in their developmental stages, they are genuine sciences in the making. The mere presence of shortcomings and challenges does not diminish their potential to become robust, stable, and predictive disciplines. By continuing to refine our methods and models, we can make significant strides in understanding human behavior and societal dynamics. The road to fully understanding these complex fields may be long, but it is certainly worth pursuing.