How do social scientists study both human intentions and the consequences of human actions?

In the philosophy of social science, the study of human behavior is often divided between those who prioritize the interpretation of meaning and those who focus on causal explanation.

Studying Human Intentions

Humanists argue that because human actions are consciously undertaken and essentially intentional, they possess an "inside" that must be interpreted rather than merely observed. Approaches such as hermeneutics and phenomenology treat actions as meaningful expressions of ideas, feelings, and cultural orientations. Researchers in these traditions often use empathy to grasp the subjective states and "life-world" of the individuals they study. Additionally, "competence theories"—such as game theory—model behavior by analyzing how rational actors follow specific rules or norms.12

Studying Consequences and Causes

Conversely, many social scientists seek to uncover broader causes and unintended consequences that go beyond an agent's self-understanding. This often involves:2
* Causal Explanation: Approaches like behaviorism, systems theory, and structuralism treat behavior as a result of external stimuli, functional roles, or underlying social structures.1
* Methodological Approaches: Researchers debate whether explanations should be individualistic—focusing on the beliefs and desires of individuals—or holistic, studying social phenomena at an autonomous, macroscopic level.23