Subject-object alienation and method

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to expose, analyze, and criticise the origin, presuppositions, and influence of the subject-object alienation problem in method in a bid to establish proper presuppositions for research methodology that can retain an integral ontology. This is done through the means of textual (literature) study, problem-historical approach, and transcendental criticism. From the study of relevant literature, it is revealed that Descartes, in his "I think, therefore I exist" (Cogito ergo sum), declared the origin of the subject-object alienation problem. It was also revealed through literature study that there were several methodological attempts to solve this problem by some of the philosophers or schools of philosophy like Kant (Transcendental Philosophy), Husserl (Phenomenology), Heidegger (Hermeneutic Phenemenology), Dewey (Pragmatism), and the Participatory Research method (Subject-subject, and object-object approach). These methods were not capable of reaching their goal to resolve the legacy of a split ontology in the theory of knowledge that was left behind by Descartes. All these methodological attempts, with the exception of Participatory Research method, did not recognize the object functions of the respondent. Some of these methods reduced the object to the level of mere ideas of the consciousness. This left us with questions such as 'Can there be any method that can solve the subject-object alienation problem? Can research be conducted without causing a split ontology? In a bid to establish an answer to these questions the author opted for reformational philosophy. Its basic ontological presuppositions for research methodology includes (1) the creaturelihood of creation, (2) unity of creation, (3) diversity of creation, and (4) human calling. On the basis of these presuppositions reformational philosophy rejects the self-origin of creation, and holds that

creation is a created reality that has its unity and diversity through one origin - the Creator. That is to say, it is a created reality, which was perverted by evil, which needs redemptive redirection in order to re-discover its structure and potentiality. The Creator does this through the calling of man. Man was given the gift of science to help creation to rediscover itself. This becomes a critical dialogue between man (who was given the rationality to take the initiative in the process of creation in self-rediscovery) and the rest of creation. In the process of self-rediscovery of creation, man as the initiator, must recognize the object function of the respondent in concrete terms.