Social Science Philosophy Workshop: Part 1

Social Science Philosophy Workshop 1: Applied Epistemology

Empower Your Research Journey with the Philosophy of Research  

Are you ready to develop and defend your study design with confidence in an interdisciplinary environment? Join our transformative workshop designed to empower researchers to persuasively communicate and creatively collaborate by understanding the philosophical paradigms that underpin all research.

Workshop Objectives: 

• Explore Epistemological Positions: Gain insights into key epistemological perspectives including the standard view of science; interpretivism; critical theory and critical realism; standpoint and decoloniality.
• Connect Epistemology and Study Design: Understand the relationship between epistemological positions and study design.
• Promote Ethical Research and an Inclusive, Collaborative Research Culture: Model and encourage the values associated with effective researchers able work across sectors towards society’s future needs: curiosity, collaboration, adaptability, reflexivity and responsibility (Vitae Researcher Development Framework, 2025).
• Provide the Tools to Understand Your Choices: Support researchers to recognise unnoticed assumptions and make informed research decisions.

Why Attend?

• Interactive Learning: Engage in dynamic discussions and activities.
• Guidance and Facilitation: Learn with experienced researchers and researcher developers.
• Collaborative, Supportive Environment: Explore research ideas and challenges with peers and build meaningful networks and connections.

Resources and Structure:

This is an online Teams workshop which will run between 10-12 am and 1-3 pm on Monday 2nd June. The day will be facilitated by Alison Edgley, Manny Madriaga and Nicola Middleton. It will be interactive, although no participant will be made to speak.

Ahead of the day participants will be invited to watch exchanges between Andy Fisher and Alison Edgley. Following the day there will be mini lectures available on each of the positions we cover. There will also be a reading list.

We will begin by introducing the day. We will cover: The Standard View of Science; Interpretivism; Critical Theory/Realism; Standpoint epistemology; and decoloniality. As tutors we will model respect, curiosity, justice, civic virtue and citizenship, responsibility for self and others, and reflexivity.

We will have four break-out sessions (two in the morning, two in the afternoon) each one facilitated by either Alison Edgley, Manny Madriaga or Nicola Middleton. Timings will be flexible, led by numbers who attend.

1. Introduction, what do participants hope to get out of the day
2. Participants will be given some philosophy of knowledge prompts for discussion (Standard View of Science & Interpretivism)
3. Participants will be given more philosophy of knowledge prompts for discussion (Critical positions)
4. What will participants take from the day and what are next steps

Between breakout sessions 2 & 3, and breakout sessions 3 & 4 we will come back together as a whole group and participants will be sign posted to core principles from the philosophical positions just discussed.

How to Attend:

Complete the online MS FormsLink opens in a new window. You will be sent a calendar invitation ahead of the day with the how to join details.