Methodology and Research: Is it possible to overcome Scientific Reductionism?

Abstract

The prevailing scientism has forced the introduction of quantitative criteria clearly contrary to the idiosyncrasies of the Humanities and humanists. This paper proposes an in-depth rethinking of these instruments, since their application has only produced a very considerable deterioration in the quality of research in Humanities. But there is not only criticism of quantitative methods that seek to turn the Humanities into what they are not, that is, substitutes for the physical and experimental sciences, but also of other methods such as evaluation by peers. The criticism focuses on highlighting the deeply ideological bias that this procedure has in the field of Humanities. Because, despite having a huge number of defenders, it is argued that, in reality, it has led to a flat and repetitive investigation that does not dare to raise innovative and bold topics or perspectives for new research. Ultimately, it implies a reduction of freedom that leads researchers to self-censor to accommodate themselves to those rigid molds imposed by peer evaluation, since there is a very solidified power structure in the university world, based on a concrete and determined cultural and ideological hegemony.