On Research Methodology

Abstract

I am pleased to take up the invitation to prepare a brief essay that speaks to 'the importance of studying research methodology'. First, I set out what I mean by methodology, arguing that its sense is contingent upon the tradition in which it is framed. Second, I consider how methodology is framed within the tradition of critical social science. And finally I consider how such a framing is applied by taking up the example of Honneth's (2004) inquiry into the phenomenon of inner emptiness and depression in modern society.