værdifrihed

Værdifrihed, often translated as value-freedom or value-neutrality, is a concept that emerged prominently in sociology and other social sciences, most notably associated with the work of Max Weber. It posits that social scientists should strive to keep their personal values, beliefs, and opinions separate from their research and analysis. The goal is to present findings objectively, without allowing personal biases to influence the interpretation of data or the conclusions drawn.

The principle of værdifrihed does not imply that social scientists are devoid of values or that their work is inherently value-free in its impact. Rather, it is a methodological guideline emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between factual statements (what is) and normative statements (what ought to be). Researchers are encouraged to be transparent about their own potential biases and to employ rigorous methods that minimize their influence.

Critics of værdifrihed sometimes argue that complete objectivity is unattainable and that the very act of choosing what to study can be influenced by values. However, proponents maintain that while perfect value-neutrality might be an ideal, the pursuit of it is crucial for the credibility and scientific integrity of the social sciences. It allows for a more reliable understanding of social phenomena, enabling informed societal discussions and policy-making based on evidence rather than ideology.