PSYCHOLOGICAL INQUIRY AND THE ROLE OF WORLD VIEWS AUTHOR’S NOTE:

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A variety of world models have influenced psychological inquiry. However, recent theoretical analyses of the field have argued that the lack of a single metatheoretical framework in which to base psychological inquiry may have severe negative consequences. In this paper I review three distinctive world views which have influenced psychological inquiry and develop the idea that, at least at this point in the history of psychology, the use of multiple metatheoretical perspectives may be beneficial. Specifically, I suggest that using various metatheoretical views may minimize the perpetuation of limited systems and develop a point of view for thinking about metatheoretical pluralism from several philosophical/intellectual traditions. Moreover, I argue that acknowledging the viability and utility of multiple metatheoretical perspectives does not necessarily resign psychology to perpetual disunification or fragmentation. Imagine Ptolemy’s dismay if he could have reviewed Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion. Kepler’s first law states that the planets move in elliptical orbits. Ptolemy, like the excellent second century astronomer that he was, “knew” that planetary motion must be circular or compounds of circles (i.e., epicycles). Certain metatheoretical assumptions about the nature of reality were in vogue i