Scientism and Values.pdf - Ludwig von Mises Institute

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Concealed Rhetoric in Scientistic
Sociology
RICHARD M. WEAVER
This inquiry concerns some problems posed by the use of
rhetoric in the dissemination of a professedly scientific knowledge
of man. It assumes that rhetoric in its right character is one of
the useful arts and that knowledge about the nature and behavior
of man can be gained and should be propagated as widely as
possible. The question of what things should precede and enter
into that dissemination, however, continues to raise real perplexities.
Many of us who read the literature of social science as
laymen are conscious of being admitted at a door which bears the
watchword "scientific objectivity" and of em.erging at another
door which looks out upon a variety of projects for changing,
renovating, or revolutionizing society. In consequence, we feel the
need of a more explicit account of how the student of society
passes from facts to values or statements of policy.
I would reject at the outset any assumption that the man who
studies social phenomena either could or should be incapable of
indignation and admiration. Such a person, were it possible for
him to exist, would have a very limited function, and it is hard
to see how he could be a wise counselor about the matters with
which he deals. It seems probable that no one would ever devote
himself to the study of society unless he had some notion of an
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