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Abstract
This paper presents a critical analysis of two dominant paradigms in the philosophy of science: positivism and postmodernism. While existing literature often positions these paradigms dichotomously, this study argues for their potential integrative and complementary roles in addressing contemporary epistemological crises and the complex challenges of modern science. Employing a qualitative approach through descriptive-analytical library research, this article reveals that positivism provides a robust methodological foundation for empirical science but often neglects subjective and moral dimensions. Conversely, postmodernism offers a pluralistic, contextual view of truth as a social construct, challenging epistemological absolutism. The primary conceptual contribution of this paper lies in its proposal of a reflective, interdisciplinary framework that synthesizes the empirical rigor of positivism with the critical, contextual awareness of postmodernism. This synthesis aims to foster the development of knowledge that is not only scientifically valid but also humanistically meaningful and contextually relevant.
[Tulisan ini menyajikan analisis kritis terhadap dua paradigma dominan dalam filsafat ilmu, yaitu positivisme dan postmodernisme. Berbeda dengan literatur yang seringkali memposisikan keduanya secara dikotomis, studi ini justru mengargumentasikan peran integratif dan saling melengkapi dari kedua paradigma dalam merespons krisis epistemologis dan tantangan kompleks ilmu pengetahuan kontemporer. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui studi kepustakaan deskriptif-analitis, artikel ini mengungkap bahwa positivisme memberikan landasan metodologis yang kuat bagi ilmu empiris namun cenderung mengabaikan dimensi subjektif dan moral. Sebaliknya, postmodernisme menawarkan pandangan pluralistik dan kontekstual yang memandang kebenaran sebagai konstruksi sosial serta menolak absolutisme epistemologis. Kontribusi konseptual utama makalah ini terletak pada usulan kerangka kerja reflektif dan interdisipliner yang mensintesis ketelitian empiris positivisme dengan kesadaran kritis-kontekstual postmodernisme. Sintesis ini bertujuan untuk mendorong pengembangan pengetahuan yang tidak hanya sahih secara ilmiah, tetapi juga bermakna secara humanis dan relevan secara kontekstual.]
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