On the Importance of Disciplinary Norms' Reflection: A Response to Jan Kofroň and Ilona Kruntorádová
Abstract
In this paper I critically engage with a recent article by Jan Kofroň and Ilona Kruntorádová dealing with methodology courses at Czech departments of political science. First, I show how their methodological approach leads the authors to put too much emphasis on the lack of familiarity with quantitative methods as the biggest shortcoming of political science in the Czech Republic.
Second, I focus on the disciplinary assumptions of the discussed article. I demonstrate that the paper is underpinned by a specific understanding of social sciences which deems certain approaches as less scientific.
I then relate these notions to authors' understanding of practical relevance of social sciences. In the conclusion, I discuss how can be these critical points utilized in potential future projects investigating the current state of political science in the Czech Republic.