Scientificity, Methodology and Method in International Relations

Abstract

International Relations is a highly divided discipline regarding not only theory but also philosophy of science. Thus, it is often questioned whether the discipline is so divided in epistemology, ontology and methodology is no longer a discipline. This article seeks to clarify the major concepts used in methodology, summarize the main debates in the discipline and to bring a pragmatic approach to research methods in international relations. In their research approach called analytic eclecticism, Rudra Sil and Peter Katzenstein argue that different theories and paradigms do not need to agree on everything to complement each other’s weaknesses. Instead, we need the best of all worlds to understand and explain the complex phenomena that take place in world politics. This article argues that this eclectic approach can also be used in research methods and demonstrates how pragmatism has improved terrorism studies.

Keywords

Methodology, Method, Scientific Knowledge, Ontology, Epistemology, Analytic Eclecticism

Citation

Şatana, Nil S., “Scientificity, Methodology and Method in International Relations”, International Relations, Volume 12, Issue 46, pp. 11-33.

Affiliations

• Nil S. ŞATANA, Assoc. Prof., Bilkent University, Department of International Relations