Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explore the kind of social science Alfred Schutz conceives as one firmly founded on phenomenological insights. To achieve this aim, I first discuss the methodological postulates formulated by Schutz for the construction of social scientific constructs, considering their relations as well as his intention in formulating each of them. Second, I paraphrase his arguments about “types of knowledge,” i.e., the “expert,” the “man on the street,” and the “well-informed citizen.” In the course of this discussion, I turn to Max Weber’s conception of the “adequacy of ideal typical construction” and attempt a comparison between Weber’s “cultural beings” (Kulturmenschen) and Schutz’s “well-informed citizen.”
I am most grateful to George Psathas, Frances C. Waksler, and Martin Endress for their helpful comments on an earlier version of this article.
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Nasu, H. (2005). Between the Everyday Life-World and the World of Social Scientific Theory—Towards an “Adequate” Social Thory. In: Endress, M., Psathas, G., Nasu, H. (eds) Explorations of the Life-World. Contributions to Phenomenology, vol 53. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3220-X_6
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