Normal Science, Sometimes True Theories, or Contemporary History?

When the MPIfG was founded, the Max Planck Society reminded the directors that the success of Max Planck institutes hinges on contributing to “normal science,” i.e., aiming at discovering universal, stable causal laws. For the “hard” sciences, this is politically beneficial and epistemically sound, as controlled experiments yield reliable knowledge that drives innovation and socio-economic progress. By contrast, research at the MPIfG addresses the immense complexity and variability of contemporary societies, where causal findings are less universally valid, more open to external critique, and less certain in practical application.
Over four decades, MPIfG researchers have resisted shifting exclusively to micro-level mechanisms in search of greater causal stability. Instead, they explore whether to develop relatively complex time- and place-specific theories, identify narrowly conditioned causal processes, combine narrative and mechanism-based explanations, or turn to “contemporary history” to address normatively significant historical sequences and impacts.

Participation by invitation only.