Epistemology, Ontology, and Axiology in Research

Summary

In this educational video, Alex Lyon delves into the abstract realms of epistemology, ontology, and axiology, warning against their casual use in social settings. He explains that these philosophical branches underpin research, guiding assumptions about knowledge, existence, and values. Lyon clarifies that while researchers may not explicitly discuss these concepts, their methodologies and theoretical approaches reveal underlying epistemological, ontological, and axiological stances, which are crucial for a sophisticated understanding and comparison of different research areas.

Takeaways

• 📚 Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and scope of knowledge, asking how we can be sure of what we claim to know.
• 🔍 Ontology examines the nature of existence, including questions about human beings' existence, purpose, and whether our choices are truly free or predetermined.
• 💡 Axiology, the study of values, delves into the guiding principles of research and the potential outcomes or values that research may produce.
• ⚠️ The script humorously warns against using these terms at social gatherings as they can be off-putting, suggesting they are best discussed in academic settings.
• 🧐 Researchers often implicitly hold epistemological, ontological, and axiological positions that influence their work without explicitly stating them in every publication.
• 🔑 Understanding these philosophical areas helps in appreciating and comparing different research methodologies and theories at a more sophisticated level.
• 🌐 Epistemological positions range from the belief in absolute truth waiting to be discovered, to the idea that knowledge is constructed socially and is relative.
• 📊 Epistemological assumptions are evident in the methods used in research, such as quantitative surveys aiming to reveal an objective reality, versus qualitative methods valuing personal experience.
• 🌟 Ontological assumptions can be seen in how research treats individuals versus groups, and whether it views people as influenced by or in control of societal forces.
• 🤔 Axiological considerations involve the neutrality of research, the role of the researcher's values, and the intent behind the research, such as understanding or changing society.
• 🌱 The script uses the example of Martin Buber to illustrate how a researcher's values can shape their approach to communication and their research methodology.

Q & A

What is the purpose of discussing epistemology, ontology, and axiology in the context of research?

Discussing these concepts helps to gather a better appreciation and to compare and contrast different areas of research at a more sophisticated level, even though they are often implied and not explicitly stated in research.

What does epistemology focus on in the field of philosophy?

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge or knowing, including questions about how we know what we claim to know and the nature of truth.

What are the different epistemological positions regarding the nature of knowledge?

Epistemological positions range from the belief in the existence of an objective reality and absolute truth, to the idea that knowledge is constructed based on individual perceptions and experiences, to the view that knowledge is a social construction with no universal truth.

How can the epistemological assumptions of a researcher be identified in their work?

Epistemological assumptions are evident in the methods researchers use, such as quantitative surveys that assume an objective reality, or qualitative methods like ethnography that value firsthand experience.

What is ontology and what kind of questions does it explore?

Ontology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of existence and beings, exploring questions about free will, individual versus group identity, and the role of larger societal forces.

How do ontological assumptions manifest in research?

Ontological assumptions can be seen in how researchers approach their subjects, whether as individuals, as part of a group, or in relation to societal systems, and in how they view human agency and control.

What is axiology and what does it study?

Axiology is the branch of philosophy that studies values, including the values that guide research, the values that may result from research, and the neutrality or influence of personal values in research.

How can axiological considerations influence the direction and outcomes of research?

Axiological considerations can shape the goals of research, whether it aims for understanding or for societal change, and can determine what outcomes are considered 'better' or more valuable.

Why are epistemology, ontology, and axiology considered abstract and not frequently discussed directly in research?

These concepts are abstract because they deal with underlying assumptions and beliefs that are often taken for granted. Researchers usually proceed with their work without explicitly discussing these philosophical underpinnings.

What is an example of how a researcher's axiological stance can be evident in their work?

Martin Buber's ethical approach to communication, which values inherent human dignity and dialogue, is an example of how a researcher's values can shape their research methodology and findings.

How can understanding epistemology, ontology, and axiology enhance a researcher's reading of other studies?

Understanding these concepts allows a researcher to identify the underlying assumptions in other studies, compare methodologies and perspectives, and gain a more sophisticated understanding of the research landscape.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Epistemology, Ontology, and Axiology

The script begins with a humorous warning about the potential social impact of discussing epistemology, ontology, and axiology at parties. It then provides an overview of these philosophical terms, explaining that they represent underlying assumptions about knowledge, existence, and values that inform various theories and research. The speaker clarifies that while these terms are abstract and not commonly discussed explicitly in research, understanding them is crucial for appreciating and comparing different areas of study. The paragraph delves into epistemology, the study of knowledge, discussing different perspectives on how knowledge is acquired and the implications these have on research methods, such as quantitative surveys versus ethnographic methods.

05:02

🧐 Exploring Ontology and Axiology in Research

This paragraph continues the discussion by examining ontology, which concerns the nature of existence and human beings' place in the universe. It poses questions about free will, individual versus group identity, and the influence of societal forces on individuals. The speaker uses examples from personality tests and group dynamics to illustrate different ontological assumptions in research. The paragraph then transitions to axiology, the study of values, and how they guide and result from research. It raises questions about the neutrality of research and the role of the researcher's values, using Martin Buber's ethical communication philosophy as an example of explicit axiological influence on research approach. The speaker reflects on how understanding these philosophical concepts has enhanced their ability to read and interpret research with a more sophisticated perspective.

Keywords

💡Epistemology

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and scope of knowledge. It asks fundamental questions like 'How do we know what we claim to know?' In the video, epistemology is related to the assumptions researchers make about the nature of knowledge, such as whether it is something waiting to be discovered or something constructed through experience. The script illustrates this by contrasting different research methods, like quantitative surveys that assume an objective reality with ethnographic methods that value firsthand experience.

💡Ontology

Ontology is the study of existence and the nature of reality, including the nature of human beings and their existence in the universe. It delves into questions about free will, determinism, and whether individuals or groups best represent our understanding of humanity. In the script, ontology is discussed in the context of how researchers approach the study of individuals versus groups and the larger societal forces that may influence them, as seen in the contrast between personality tests and sociological studies.

💡Axiology

Axiology is the philosophical study of values, including what is considered good, bad, right, wrong, or beautiful. It also considers the values that may result from research or the values that guide research. The video script uses axiology to explore the role of values in shaping research, such as the neutrality of research or the researcher's personal values influencing the study. An example from the script is the discussion on whether research should aim to understand or change society, reflecting on the values of economic equality, health, or relationships.

💡Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. In the context of the video, philosophy is the overarching discipline from which epistemology, ontology, and axiology emerge. It provides the framework for understanding the assumptions and values that underpin different areas of research, as the script suggests when discussing the abstract nature of these branches of philosophy.

💡Assumptions

Assumptions are the presuppositions or beliefs that underlie a theory or an argument. In the video, assumptions are the often unspoken beliefs about knowledge, existence, and values that inform research methodologies and theoretical perspectives. The script mentions that these assumptions remain implied in research and can be deduced from the methods used by researchers, such as the use of climate surveys versus ethnographic methods.

💡Research Methodology

Research methodology refers to the systematic procedures and techniques used in scientific research. The video discusses how different epistemological positions influence the choice of research methodology, such as the use of quantitative surveys to uncover objective reality or the use of ethnographic methods to gain firsthand knowledge. The script illustrates this by contrasting the approaches to understanding organizational culture.

💡Quantitative Surveys

Quantitative surveys are a type of research method that involves collecting numerical data through standardized questions. They are used to measure attitudes, opinions, or behaviors and are often associated with the assumption of an objective reality that can be discovered. In the script, quantitative surveys are mentioned as a method that assumes if the right questions are asked, they will reveal an objective snapshot of reality.

💡Ethnographic Method

The ethnographic method is a qualitative research approach that involves immersive observation and participation in a culture or group to understand it from the inside. The video script contrasts this method with quantitative surveys, suggesting that ethnography values firsthand experience and believes that to truly know something, one must experience it directly.

💡Objectivity

Objectivity refers to the state of being free from personal biases or interpretations in observation or research. The video discusses objectivity in the context of epistemology, where some researchers believe that knowledge can be an objective reality waiting to be discovered. The script uses the example of climate surveys to illustrate the pursuit of objectivity in research.

💡Social Construction

Social construction is the idea that certain knowledge or concepts are not absolute but are constructed by society through shared beliefs and practices. In the video, this concept is presented as an epistemological position that contrasts with the view of knowledge as an objective reality. The script suggests that from a relativistic view, knowledge is whatever is treated as knowledge by society.

💡Values

Values are the principles or standards of behavior transmitted through culture that help to influence preferences and priorities. The video script discusses values in the context of axiology, exploring how values guide research and may be the intended outcome of research. It also questions the neutrality of research and the extent to which personal values influence the research process, as illustrated by the example of Martin Buber's ethical approach to communication.

Highlights

Epistemology, ontology, and axiology are abstract philosophical terms that describe underlying assumptions in knowledge, existence, and values.

These terms should be used cautiously in social settings to avoid killing the mood, and are best reserved for academic discussions.

Epistemology, ontology, and axiology correspond to branches of philosophy that are often implied in research but not explicitly discussed.

Understanding these areas helps in appreciating and comparing research at a more sophisticated level.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, questioning how we know what we claim to know.

Researchers may assume knowledge is out there to be discovered or that it is developed through perception and experience.

A relativistic epistemological view suggests that knowledge is a social construction without universal truth.

Epistemological positions are evident in the methods used in research, such as quantitative surveys for objective reality.

Ethnographic methods reflect a belief in firsthand experience as the best way to gain knowledge.

Ontology examines the nature of existence and questions like free will and the role of individuals in society.

Ontological assumptions can be seen in how research approaches individuals versus groups.

Axiology is the study of values, including what is considered good, right, or valuable in research.

Axiology also considers the neutrality of research and the influence of the researcher's values.

The purpose of research in terms of understanding or changing society is an axiological question.

Martin Buber's communication philosophy exemplifies explicit axiological values in research.

Understanding these philosophical areas allows for a more sophisticated reading of research assumptions.

Transcripts

- [Alex Lyon] Let's unpack

epistemology, ontology, and axiology.

I would like to give this lesson a little warning:

please do not throw these words around at parties.

There is no quicker way to kill the

mood than to mention these three terms.

Please, only bring them up in class,

or around your academic friends.

(shining music)

So first, let's do a little overview.

These are the terms that describe the often unspoken

assumptions about knowledge, people in society,

and our values that rest beneath

our favorite theories or our favorite research.

Each of them corresponds to a branch

of philosophy, which can be very abstract.

Let's not let that confuse us, because most people,

most people doing research, don't spend vast amounts of time

writing directly about epistemology, ontology, and axiology.

The way it normally plays out is that researchers are just

going about their research, and these areas or assumptions

remain implied beneath the surface.

The research will leave clues, and so if they're so assumed,

or beneath the surface, then why do we even talk about them?

Well, understanding these three areas will help us

gather a better appreciation, and be able to compare

and contrast different areas of research

at a much more sophisticated level.

So there is some payoff here.

So let's start with epistemology.

We'll go from general to specific.

This is a branch of philosophy that

studies knowledge, or knowing.

They ask questions like: how do

we know what we claim to know?

That's the classic epistemological question

that you'll see in a lot of theory and research textbooks.

A researcher might assume, for example, that knowledge

is already out there, just waiting to be discovered.

And so, it's our job, as researchers, to uncover

this universal, unchanging, and absolute truth.

In contrast, other researchers believe that people

develop knowledge based upon how they

perceive the world and through their experiences.

That's how we create knowledge.

Still further along this spectrum is the relativistic view,

that believes that knowledge is a social construction.

In essence, whatever we treat as knowledge, is knowledge.

There is no universal or absolute truth.

These are epistemological positions that

are getting at this notion of knowledge.

Like I said, most researchers don't spend many paragraphs

in each given journal article spelling all of this out.

They normally just get on with their work.

But their research will leave clues, and I see that

epistemology is most evident in the

methods that they use to conduct their research.

In other words, if they assume an objective reality,

objective knowledge, exists out there,

then they will approach it that way.

For instance, some organizational

researchers do climate surveys.

These are quantitative surveys driven by

statistical analysis, and the idea here is

if you ask the right questions, you'll get reliable

and valid answers, and the results are meant

to give you a snapshot of how things really are.

In other words, there's an objective reality out there,

and our survey is trying to show it.

In contrast, there are other ways to get at knowledge,

other beliefs about the best way to know something.

For example, the ethnographic method believes that

to really understand, to really know,

you have to experience something for yourself.

You can't study culture, from the ethnographic standpoint,

for example, from a distance.

Firsthand knowledge gained through

experience is the best way to know.

These are epistemological kinds of issues.

Next, let's explore ontology.

Again, we'll go from general to specific.

This is the branch of philosophy that

studies [existence and the nature of human beings [and our existence]

What is the nature of [existence and] our existence as

individuals in society, in the universe?

Who are we, what are we here for?

These are ontological questions.

For example, do we make real free will choices?

Do we make choices that influence the outcomes?

Or, are there forces that are determining

our outcomes, that are beyond our control?

Another ontological question would be this:

Are we best understood as individuals?

Or, is our nature best viewed as being

part of a group, part of a social system?

There's a movie called I, Robot for example,

an old movie with Will Smith, and in this story,

there's a robot named Sonny, and he's very sophisticated,

and he's trying to figure out why the guy who made him

made him, what is his purpose?

And that's an ontological question.

There's a bit of dialogue where somebody asks him:

Sonny, do you know why Dr. Lanning built you?

And he answers: no, but I believe

my father made me for a purpose.

This is an ontological discussion.

What is our nature, what are we here for?

For me, the ontological assumptions beneath

research and theory are pretty easy to spot.

So for example, if they're studying individuals,

like through personality tests, or trying to figure out

people's traits, then they likely are

approaching us as individuals in society.

If they are studying groups, and relationships,

then they are likely assuming that people are

best understood in groups and relationships,

like through the communication field or sociology.

Another look at this is how we are situated in society

in terms of the larger forces that we face.

For example, does a theorist treat people as if

they are at the mercy of a system that is

out of their control, out of their hands?

Or, do they focus on the agency

that people have to influence change?

Depending upon their position, they are taking different

ontological positions, or assumptions, about their research.

And you can usually see that in the way they write it up.

And third, let's talk about axiology.

Again, we'll go from general to specific.

This is a branch of philosophy that studies values.

They ask questions about the values

that guide our research to begin with.

For example, what do we consider to be good or bad,

right or wrong, beautiful or not, what do we value?

Another axiological issue is what values might

result from, or be the outcome of, our research?

Axiology often asks questions about the extent to which

our research can be totally neutral, or does our researcher

opinion come into play, and our personal values shape,

how we conduct and write up our research?

Also, should our research be seeking merely to understand

what we are studying, or should we be studying something

with a goal of changing society for the better?

That's an axiological question.

And if we wanna change society, what do we consider better?

In other words, what do we value?

Would it be more economic equality,

better health, deeper relationships?

These are all axiological issues.

Sometimes, researchers and writers are

pretty obvious about this, but not always.

Martin Buber is a guy who's a communication philosopher,

and he's been very obvious about this.

He talked about an ethical approach to communication

that contrasted with a more mechanistic approach.

So he talks about I-It, meaning I am a person, but you,

it, are an object, but we really should strive for,

as often as we can, I-Thou communication, where I

am important in the communication, but you, you're a thou,

you're also important, you have inherent dignity,

you're special as a human being, and I should treat you

that way, we should connect through dialogue.

See, he has an explicit value for other people,

and it's going to shape the way he does his research.

So when I first got exposed to epistemology, ontology,

and axiology, and began to take it seriously,

I developed a much more sophisticated reading

of the research that I was exposed to.

I didn't see them all as separate and independent pieces,

I saw them all as having similar or different kinds

of assumptions that informed their approach.