Abstract:
This paper tries to outline a framework for post-war social
science amidst the contesting discourses. It also provides how the
reorientation will assist in enhancing capacity and rebuild the society and
polity in the multicultural context with particular reference to Sri Lanka.
The ideological basis of social science is always traversed with multiple
discourses and controversies when it emphasises self identity and self
determination in plural set up. The theoretical framework has come right
from classical foundations to post-modern manifestations. The inherent
tension between value-free and value-laden approaches could not be
transcended as both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Situating in
the paradigm of developing society, Sri Lanka provides the scope for political
integration rather social or cultural integration in the post-war rebuilding
process. In this connection, the discipline of social science has its own moral
responsibility in reorienting the multiple discourses. Taking history and
political science as the case, five aspects can be discussed in the context of
contesting discourses and possible reorientation and reconstruction. These
include: history, self-identity, social conflict, political integration and
development. These aspects can be in turn analysed in two broad paradigms
as conflict model and consensus model. The moral foundations of social
science seem to make dialogue between the wounded self and triumphant
self. The whole challenge is related to construction of subjectivity in the light
of ‘given rationality’ with future promises. At large, the social science must
foster liberal democracy, federalism and multiculturalism. In other words,
the beginning of capacity development is to foster these values in which the
academicians have their say through social science disciplines.
