Distinguishing Methodologies- Uniqueness of Research Approaches in the Humanities Compared to Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences
Humanities have similarities with other disciplines, but they also have their unique qualities. Humanities is the study of human culture using different, unique methods. Humanities studies can be easily applied in everyday life activities and happenings. It is not a course that is one-dimension but relatively broad. It allows several ranges of artifacts; with a closer look, the transformation and evolution of artifacts over time are visible. While other disciplines like science are contented with one answer, humanities have several answers. Humanities have many critics, and people continually revise each question’s answers (Liu, 2012). There is always a new great idea and a new way to solve a problem. It’s about being creative and having many answers to a single question. The answers can be found with mistakes and hence be revised.
Humanities have many theories, and they do not mean the same to everyone. The accepted truths are multiple, not just one. The truth is based on the different perceptions that different people have. The most practiced art is questioning and never settling for one answer. Humanities is like a dream. The truth about it is the perception and interpretation of an individual. The mode of approach that the humanities have to any question is different. It focuses on understanding the purpose, goals, and meaning of the question (Small, 2013). The relationship of the question to the social phenomenon and historical facts has to be interpreted before seeking the truths in the question. The method used in finding the truth in humanities is interpretive and has no explanation for the causality of an event. It seeks to know the application of the truths in society. Imagination and creativity are essential tools in humanities. They help come up with different perceptions and interpretations for a question, statement, or event. They also help in understanding culture, literature, and history.
References
Liu, A. Y. (2012). Where is cultural criticism in the digital humanities? (pp. 490-509). eScholarship, University of California.
Small, H. (2013). The value of the humanities. Oxford University Press.
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Question
Compared to what you know about the methods of disciplines such as mathematics, the natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry), or the social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology),
what do you think is unique about the methods used to investigate the humanities? If you have any questions for your peers, please include them in your response.