Causal Analyses and Theoretical Analyses

Abstract

It is common knowledge that the development of theories in the social sciences does not evoke enthusiasm. In those disciplines one can more easily engage in conceptual research and analyses and in methodological reflections pertaining to theories than in the formulation of theories themselves. Yet various methods of causal analyses have been worked out, and these are sometimes claimed to bridge the gap between empirical research and theories. One may pose the question whether and how far those analyses deserve to be called theories.¹ When discussing this issue we shall also examine the methodological character of causal analyses.