Between the everyday life-world and the world of social scientific theory—towards an "adequate" social thory

Hisashi Nasu

pp. 123-141

in: George Psathas, Hisashi Nasu (eds), Explorations of the life-world, Berlin, Springer, 2005

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the kind of social science Alfred Schutz conceives as one firmly founded on phenomenological insights. To achieve this aim, I first discuss the methodological postulates formulated by Schutz for the construction of social scientific constructs, considering their relations as well as his intention in formulating each of them. Second, I paraphrase his arguments about "types of knowledge," i.e., the "expert," the "man on the street," and the "well-informed citizen." In the course of this discussion, I turn to Max Weber's conception of the "adequacy of ideal typical construction" and attempt a comparison between Weber's "cultural beings" (Kulturmenschen) and Schutz's "well-informed citizen."

Cited authors

Schütz Alfred

Weber Max