On the Science of Uncertainty: The Biographical Method in Social Research

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Franco Ferrarotti turns his considerable erudition and insight to issues of theory and method in the human sciences, arguing that sociological investigations have been limited by their preoccupation with quantitative methods of investigation. Crucial social problems, from drug addiction to terrorism, can best be addressed by rediscovering autobiographical materials and the value of the individual. Ferrarotti hopes to lead sociologists away from overly reductionistic, technical measurement of their subjects_an approach that has increasingly been problematized by the natural sciences_toward an examination of the domain of lived experience using methods that are both interpretive and historical.

Reviews

Ferrarotti brings to life C. Wright Mills's project of linking the "personal troubles of milieu" with "public issues." Chapter by chapter the "life history" method is shown to link biography to history and to social institutions. As works in qualitative methods have gained ground in recent decades, Ferrarotti's important contribution to these discussions is to locate biographical methods of study within the broader context of sociological understanding and hermeneutics. His concept of "mediations" will be used by researchers for years to come. -- Arthur J. Vidich, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Anthropology, New School University

Author Bio

Franco Ferrarotti is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Doctoral Program at the University of Rome. He is the editor of La Critica Sociologica.