Vico's ancient binarism and problems of social theory today

McHoul, A. (1991) Vico's ancient binarism and problems of social theory today. Social Semiotics, 1 (2). pp. 194-212.

Abstract

In this paper, I want to suggest that the difference is ubiquitous - if hidden - and logically insoluble; that any step beyond a state in which there are at least two distinct methodologies in the social sciences is no small order. I want to suggest that it is and has been a fundamental aspect reflection upon the social world and the proper method of its description or explanation that contradictions should arise. That is, basic tensions in social science methodology (objectivism/subjectivism; positivism/humanism; structuralism/phenomenology...) are the products of a particular style or technique of philosophical practice. And this style is imbued with both a variety of differences such as contradictions, paradoxes, dilemmas, dualisms, binary oppositions as well as with attempts to suture these incongruities into what can seem like a unitary theory.