Approaching Human Phenomena: A Methodological Note

The note is an attempt to make a methodological argument to the students about how to approach the study of human phenomena. Based on the experience of teaching about work, workers and organisations to students of science and technology, the note makes the case for unlearning the ‘popular approach’ of seeking the ‘one best solution’ and attempting to quantify a phenomenon. It argues that the mainstream scientific method based on reductionism and determinism is inappropriate for developing an understanding of conscious human beings and their collectives. It further attempts to develop an alternative approach for the study of human subject that is based on an understanding of emergent phenomena, plurality of interdependent causes, and probabilistic thinking.