Qualitative research methods or free essay writing methods? Reflections in defence of ”the sacred cow of the Enlightement” – the objective science

Abstract

Article critically examines the philosophy of science presented in the recently published postmodern The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (Denzin, Lincoln, 2009). In particular discussed are the assumptions that there is no objective knowledge, knowledge is constituted ideologically and politically, and a demand, that all social research should serve only practical purposes. The author attempts to demonstrate that adoption of postmodern philosophy of science leads to many absurdities and science, which does not result in any progress.