Richard P. Feynman
What is "social" science? One of my favorite “characters” was Richard Feynman a Nobel Prize winning Physicist. His 1974 Caltech commencement address offers an interesting perspective on social science or as he puts it Cargo Cult Science. This is a must read for all social scientists! For more on Richard Feynman check out the You Tube Videos: My Favorite Short Clips from the interviews - The Pleasure of Finding Things Out. But first a few thoughts from his friend and colleague Leonard Susskind.
Leonard Susskind on his friend Richard Feynman
I highly recommend that you start here and get a brief glimpse into Richard Feynman through the eyes and experiences of Leonard Susskind. May your sandwich have less baloney.
Feynman on the rules of chess
In this video on the Rules of Chess, Feynman describes how research is a lot like trying to figure out the rule of chess by watching people play the game. This is a lot like inductive social research.
Feynman on learning about inertia from his father
In this video Feynman describes how his Father taught him to think about things and HOW they work.
full documentary - the pleasure of finding things out
If you found the two videos above interesting and want to see more from Feynman this video is the complete video.
cargo cult science
What is "social" science? Feynman’s 1974 Caltech commencement address offers an interesting perspective on social science or as he puts it Cargo Cult Science. This is a must read for all social scientists and in particular qualitative researchers! Read now.