Why do we argue about the specialness of the social sciences?

Abstract

This introduction to the special issue 'Are Social Sciences Special?' proposes the concept of S-debates, or debates over the specialness of the social sciences. We argue that these debates arose regularly and cyclically since the institutionalisation of social sciences in 19th and 20th centuries and used a repertoire of arguments that can be traced back to the German-speaking debate covered by Martin Kusch in the article in this issue. While philosophers have typically tackled these debates as participants, no intervention ever led to a consensus. This indicates the need for a sociology of science approach that examines why these debates arise, their cultural and political stakes, and what the participants gain from arguing for or against the specialness of social sciences. Awareness of why S-debates ebb and flow and why they may be irresolvable helps us understand their role in contemporary social sciences and yields lessons for those wishing to revive them.