The Munificent Approach in Social Science

Abstract

There seems to be a growing distraction in academia which threatens the ethos of social science research. With issues of ideology, different sides dig in their heels to defend their positions often without objective consideration of the facts presented. Politicians take positions on issues that would win them points no matter the absurdity of the position. “Heroes” are defended by focusing exclusively on their “good deeds.” Though this phenomenon is on the increase in the popular media, its effects is mitigated by explanations from academics and experts, which minimize the extent to which pundits and spin doctors can distort facts. When academics too join the fray, the last vestiges that safeguards academic integrity are at risk. The tendency to consider an issue in a positive light to meet an existing expectation even in the face of evidence to the contrary is operationalized in this paper as the “Munificent Approach.” The munificent approach is based on the need to highlight the importance of an issue, institution, or a person not by an objective and systematic review and exposition of existing evidence, but on parochial or psychological grounds even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This paradigm incorporates all the biases found in academic enterprise including ethnocentrism, Afrocentrism, Eurocentrism, and other unsystematic and non objective approaches in social science. By its parameters, the munificent paradigm will allow academics of all disciplines to be aware of unsystematic presentations and patently bias assertions and analysis, thereby safeguarding the intellectual integrity needed in all academic work. If this becomes part of undergraduate foundational work, it would ensure integrity and objectivity in students’ presentation and outlook and minimize academic and intellectual dishonesty.

Keywords: Munificent, Ethnocentrism, Afrocentrism, Eurocentrism, Systematic