What is Hermeneutics? | Positivism vs Hermeneutics | Philosophy & Social Science | Interpretivism

In this lecture, we explore Hermeneutics as a major interpretive approach in Research Methodology and examine the classic debate of Positivism vs Hermeneutics within the Philosophy of Social Science.
The session explains how social reality is studied through two contrasting perspectives — the positivist approach that emphasizes objectivity, measurement, and laws, and the hermeneutic approach that focuses on meaning, interpretation, culture, and lived experience.
This video is extremely useful for aspirants preparing for: NET / SET / JRF / Assistant Professor Exams (UPPSC, UPHESC, MPPSC, RPPSC)
and for students of Sociology, Social Work, Political Science, Education, and Research Methodology.
🔑 Topics Covered
Meaning and origin of Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics as a method of understanding social reality
Positivism vs Hermeneutics: Key differences
Role of interpretation in social sciences
Philosophical foundations of social science research
Application of hermeneutics in sociological inquiry
🎯 Who Should Watch?
UGC NET / SET aspirants
Assistant Professor candidates
Sociology & Research Methodology students
Anyone interested in Philosophy of Social Science
📚 This lecture is part of a free academic series designed to simplify complex concepts of research methodology for competitive examinations and university classrooms.
👉 Watch, revise, and master the foundations of social science research.
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