Popper and the problem of autonomy in sociological thought

Abstract

The present paper develops one of the permanent interests of Karl Popper: the possibility of extending scientific rationality to social and political problems. This goal can be achieved only if the social sciences are willing to free themselves of particular epistemological viewpoints, such as psychological and sociological relativism, and abandon the adoption of misguided ideas concerning the scientific method. To succeed in this task we must change our traditional views of science and human rationality.