The idea of an ethically committed social science

This article presents a long overdue analysis of the idea an ethically committed social science, which, after demise positivism and deeming moral neutrality as impossible, has come to dominate self-understanding many contemporary sociological approaches. Once adequately specified, however, is shown be questionable in that it works against commitments constitutive academic life. The argument conducted with resources from work Peter Winch, thus establishing its continuing relevance critical importance for sciences, sociology particular. Special reference made heretofore unappreciated aspects Winch’s work, including within groundbreaking Idea Social Science Its Relation Philosophy, but focusing specifically on his later contributions ethics.