A study note on diversity of views on axiology in social science research: for Business Management and Housing Studies students

A study note on diversity of views on axiology in social science research: for Business Management and Housing Studies students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "What is axiology in research philosophy in social science? And compare David Hume, Baruch Spinoza and René Descartes' views on this topic with reference to the fields of Business Management and Housing Studies

The reply: "Axiology is the branch of philosophy that studies values and value judgments, encompassing ethics (the study of morality) and aesthetics (the study of beauty, taste, and judgment). In social science research, axiology concerns the role of values in the research process, influencing what matters, why research is conducted, and how it contributes to human well-being. Although researchers strive for objectivity, their values inevitably shape their focus, motivation, and ethical stance in research. Axiology is often implicit in research paradigms, affecting commitments such as scientific rigor, ethical conduct, or social justice aims. It underpins the rationale for research and the interpretation of findings, especially in fields like social science where human values are central1.

Comparison of David Hume, Baruch Spinoza, and René Descartes on Axiology

David Hume

• View on Values and Morality: Hume sees values, particularly moral values, as rooted in human sentiments and utility rather than divine reason. He distinguishes between natural virtues (universal traits like compassion and generosity) and artificial virtues (socially constructed norms like justice). For Hume, moral judgments arise from a combination of utility and sentiment—actions are virtuous if they are useful or pleasing to oneself or others. Reason alone does not motivate action; rather, moral sentiments do2.

• Relevance to Business Management and Housing Studies: Hume’s emphasis on utility and social conventions can inform ethical decision-making in business management, where the usefulness of actions to stakeholders is paramount. In housing studies, his view supports understanding property rights and social norms around ownership as evolving from social utility and psychological constructs, influencing policies and management of housing resources3.

Baruch Spinoza

• View on Values and Axiology: Spinoza rejects the idea that good and evil exist inherently in nature; rather, values are understood through human understanding and rationality. He argues that notions of good and bad are not intrinsic properties but arise from human perspectives and desires. Spinoza’s axiology is grounded in rational understanding of what promotes human flourishing and power, emphasizing a naturalistic and deterministic worldview4.

• Relevance to Business Management and Housing Studies: Spinoza’s rationalistic axiology suggests that business and housing decisions should be guided by reasoned understanding of what enhances collective well-being and individual empowerment. His approach encourages systemic thinking about how structures and policies affect human capabilities and flourishing in these fields.

René Descartes

• View on Values and Axiology: Descartes is less focused explicitly on axiology but emphasizes clear and distinct ideas as the foundation of knowledge and values. His dualistic framework separates mind and body, with reason as the primary path to truth and moral knowledge. Values, in a Cartesian framework, would be derived from rational insight and the clarity of ideas rather than sentiments or social conventions.

• Relevance to Business Management and Housing Studies: Descartes’ emphasis on rationality and clarity can influence decision-making frameworks in business and housing, promoting systematic, logical approaches to ethical issues and policy design. His approach supports the use of reasoned analysis to determine the best courses of action, potentially emphasizing universal principles over contextual or sentimental considerations.

Summary Table of Philosophers' Axiological Views and Their Application 

Philosopher	Axiological View	Implications for Business Management	Implications for Housing Studies
David Hume	Values arise from utility and moral sentiments; reason secondary to feelings and social utility	Ethical decisions based on usefulness and social norms; stakeholder utility focus	Property and ownership understood as social constructs; policies reflect social utility
Baruch Spinoza	Values are not inherent in nature but arise from rational understanding and human flourishing	Emphasis on rational, systemic decisions promoting empowerment and collective well-being	Focus on rational policies enhancing human capabilities and systemic housing solutions
Rene Descartes	Values derived from clear, distinct rational ideas; emphasis on reason and universal principles	Logical, principle-based ethical frameworks; prioritizing reason in business ethics	Rational, systematic approaches to housing policy and ethical decision-making

 

In conclusion, axiology in social science research philosophy addresses how values influence research and practice. Hume, Spinoza, and Descartes offer distinct perspectives: Hume emphasizes sentiment and utility; Spinoza, rational understanding of human flourishing; and Descartes, reason and clarity as the basis for values. These views provide different lenses for ethical and value-based considerations in fields like Business Management and Housing Studies, shaping how decisions are justified and implemented."

My question 2: "How do my values influence research choices in social science fields like Business Management and Housing Studies?"

The reply: "Your values influence research choices in social science fields like Business Management and Housing Studies in several key ways:

1. Selection of Research Topics
   Your personal values shape what you consider important or worthy of study. For example, if you value social justice or employee welfare, you might choose to investigate workplace equality in Business Management or affordable housing policies in Housing Studies. Researchers often select topics that align with their value priorities, reflecting their worldview and concerns15.

2. Framing of Research Questions and Objectives
   Values influence how you frame research questions, what outcomes you prioritize, and the ethical considerations you emphasize. For instance, entrepreneurs with self-transcendence values (such as benevolence and universalism) tend to focus on employee well-being and organizational climate, which affects how they perceive business success1. Similarly, in Housing Studies, your values might lead you to prioritize community well-being or equitable access to housing.

3. Choice of Methodology and Interpretation
   Your values affect the research methods you choose and how you interpret data. For example, a researcher valuing participatory and inclusive approaches might favor qualitative methods that give voice to marginalized groups in housing. Values also shape the interpretation of findings, highlighting aspects that resonate with your ethical or social priorities5.

4. Decision-Making and Ethical Stance
   Values guide ethical decisions throughout the research process, from obtaining consent to reporting results responsibly. In Business Management research, values can influence attitudes toward corporate social responsibility or sustainability. In Housing Studies, they affect considerations of fairness and social impact15.

5. Influence on Researcher Motivation and Commitment
   Research shows that alignment between personal values and research focus enhances motivation, satisfaction, and persistence in research activities. For example, entrepreneurs’ values influence their strategic decisions and perceptions of success, suggesting that researchers similarly are driven by value congruence in their work17.

In summary, your values act as a lens through which you view social phenomena, shaping what you study, how you study it, and why. This is especially significant in social sciences like Business Management and Housing Studies, where human values, social justice, and ethical concerns are central to understanding and improving organizational and societal outcomes157."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.