Axiomatic Theories of Intentional Systems: Methodology of Theory Construction

This is the second article in a series relating to the development of axiomatic theories of intentional systems. This article presents a critique of methodologies for scientific discovery, and provides an alternative by which comprehensive, consistent, and complete theories in the social sciences can be developed. Further, it is argued that only axiomatic theories provide the means by which reliable evaluations and predictions can be obtained. A discussion of the hypothesis-driven methodologies of the social sciences is provided and why such methodologies do not result in scientific theories. Pursuant to Charles S. Peirce and subsequent confirmation by Elizabeth Steiner, theory development is the result of a reasoning process identified as retroduction. The hypothetico-deductive and grounded theory methodologies are considered and shown that they do not develop theory. It is argued that the reliance of social scientists on hypothesis-driven methodologies has compromised their ability to develop legitimate theory and has resulted in frustration by those who recognize that there is a serious problem in this industry concerning the development of social science theory.