Going Beyond Modern Dichotomous Rationality: Robert Merton’s Theories of Medium Reach

Abstract

Matter-method dualism or method-theory has been a factor impeding the emergence of scientific theories and laws in sociology. This paper reflects on Robert Merton’s “theories of medium reach” and seeks to establish a relationship between them and Hegel’s attempt to go beyond one of the most emblematic dualisms of modern thought that he calls “reflexive understanding”. In addition, some ideas of Wittgenstein and Russell are examined in order to come to terms with the relationship between the languages and propositions used in the formulation of scientific theories.