Discussion: Theory and Reality (1975)

It is often argued that a natural scientist works on a basis of sure knowledge, that he achieves his objectives, that he produces goods that are wanted, and that the respect engendered leads policy-makers to take him seriously. He is in business when his work results in a new fibre, an electronic device, a heart pace-maker, or a new weapon. Not so the social or political scientist. Of him it is argued that he has no sure basis of knowledge; that there is a wide variety of personal philosophies and prejudices entering into his observations; and that he does not produce ideas of value to policy-makers, who therefore do not hold him in high respect.