[W]hen the empirical investigator glories in his refusal to go beyond the specialized observation dictated by the traditions of his discipline, be they ever so inclusive, he is making a virtue out of a defense mechanism which insures him against questioning his presuppositions.
Interpretation
The quote criticizes those who limit their inquiry to conventional boundaries, thus avoiding deeper questioning of their beliefs.
Karl Mannheim highlights the dangers of rigid adherence to discipline-specific methodologies in empirical research. He argues that by refusing to explore beyond established norms, researchers may inadvertently fortify their own biases and assumptions, treating this limitation as a commendable stance instead of recognizing it as a defensive measure against genuine critical inquiry. This reflects a broader philosophical discussion on the nature of knowledge and the importance of questioning foundational beliefs.
In practice
In a seminar discussing the limits of scientific research, this quote could highlight the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.
At this point in history when all things which concern man and the structure and elements of history itself are suddenly revealed to us in a new light, it behooves us in our scientific thinking to become masters of the situation, for it is not inconceivable that sooner than we suspect, as has often been the case before in history, this vision may disappear, the opportunity may be lost, and the world will once again present a static, uniform, and inflexible countenance.
As long as one does not call his own position into question but regards it as absolute, while interpreting his opponents' ideas as a mere function of the social positions they occupy, the decisive step forward has not yet been taken.
What if nothing exists and we're all in somebody's dream?
It was the experience of mystery - even if mixed with fear - that engendered religion.
Had drugs been decriminalized, crack would never have been invented and there would today be fewer addicts... The ghettos would not be drug-and-crime-infested no-man's lands... Colombia, Bolivia and Peru would not be suffering from narco-terror, and we would not be distorting our foreign policy because of it.
Does such a thing as "the fatal flaw," that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature?
When the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers.
He saw a lawyer killing a viper on a dunghill hard by his own stable; And the Devil smiled, for it put him in mind of Cain and his brother Abel.
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