About the lecture

In this lecture, we think about epistemology and whether it is possible to know objective truths about society, focusing in particular on: (i) positivism, which argues that there are universal truths, and that these can be known through scientific testing; (ii) relativism, which denies the existence of truths independent of context and people’s subjective perspectives; (iii) realism, which recognises objective truths exist but says that subjective interpretations are also significant; (iv) feminist standpoint epistemology, which argues that people’s access to truth is shaped by their social position, and particularly that marginalised groups have a more objective view of societies’ failings.

About the lecturer

Professor Tim May is Honorary Distinguished Professor at Cardiff University. He has a wide range of expertise relating to research methodologies, sociological theory, and the philosophy of social science. His recent publications include Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process (2021, co-authored with Beth Perry), Thinking Sociologically (2019, co-authored with Zygmunt Bauman), Reflexivity: The Essential Guide (2017, co-authored with Beth Perry).