The truth will set you free (ceteris paribus): incorporating prescriptive power in the rational judgement of theory

ABSTRACT

This paper argues that in the search for explanatory power, critical realist research has neglected, trivialized, or dismissed prescriptive power, the capacity for an explanation to offer insights for informing practical ameliorative action. In addition to explanatory power and multitheoretic-linguality, the effective exercise of judgmental rationality also requires a consideration of prescriptive power, else it fails to realize its emancipatory commitment. Building on previous discussions of the criteria for judgmental rationality, the paper considers a prescriptive fallacy in critical realist research that conflates explanatory and prescriptive power, and that instead researchers have a prescriptive commitment which can be realized in part through reflective questioning. The paper hopes to stimulate reflection and debate on the role of prescriptive power throughout the research process, and thereby support increased impact in research.

KEYWORDS:

• Relevance
• impact
• depth inquiry
• critical realism
• actionability
• prescriptive power

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Diagnosis replaces the word description when it involves depth inquiry, but in any case, is preceded by description (Bhaskar 2010, 84).

2 See Naess (2004).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University of Barcelona Vice Rectorate of Research Grant for projects in emerging topics [UB-AE-AS017636].