Integral Review (Jul 2010)

Toward a Science of Metatheory

  • Steven E. Wallis

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 3
pp. 73 – 120

Abstract

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In this article, I explore the field of metatheory with two goals. My first goal is to present a clear understanding of what metatheory “is” based on a collection of over twenty definitions of the term. My second goal is to present a preliminary investigation into how metatheory might be understood as a science. From that perspective, I present some strengths and weaknesses of our field and suggest steps to make metatheory more rigorous, more scientific, and so make more of a contribution to the larger community of the social sciences.

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