Qualitative Epistemology and constructive-interpretative methodology: a proposal for the study of subjectivity (La Epistemología Cualitativa y la metodología constructivo-interpretativa: una propuesta para el estudio de la subjetividad)

Abstract

Abstract This paper falls within González Rey’s line of thought. Its objective is to present and discuss the heuristic value of Qualitative Epistemology and constructive-interpretative methodology, aimed at the study of subjectivity, for the social sciences and humanities, with an emphasis on psychology. To achieve this purpose, the epistemological and methodological pillars of González Rey’s proposal are presented, which revitalize science as a living and creative production by recovering the researcher as a subject of knowledge production. This proposal is supported by three main epistemological principles: singularity as a legitimate source of production of scientific knowledge; dialogicity; and the constructive-interpretative nature of knowledge. From this perspective, the method abandons its universal abstraction and standardization to become a living dimension, which expresses the researcher’s ability to dialogically organize their own questions, reflections and actions in the world.