Epistemology and the theory of social systems: Some critical reflections

Abstract

Sociology is often defined as an empirically based science aimed at explaining “social facts” (Durkheim). These facts, however, are generated through human interaction and are intelligible, as Max Weber pointed out, only insofar as the underlying intentions are clarified. Sociological knowledge thus rests on two prerequisites: the collection of data and the explanation of data. The article offers some critical reflections on the theory of social systems from this standpoint.