On the Importance of Reflection on Disciplinary Norms: A Response to Jan Kofroň and Ilona Kruntorádová

Abstract

In this paper, I critically engage with a recent article by Jan Kofroň and Ilona Kruntorádová dealing with methodology courses at Czech departments of political science. First, I show how their methodological approach leads the authors to put too much emphasis on the lack of familiarity with quantitative methods as the biggest shortcoming of political science in the Czech Republic. Second, I focus on the disciplinary assumptions of the discussed article. I demonstrate that the paper is underpinned by a specific understanding of social sciences, which deems certain approaches as less scientific. I then relate these notions to the authors’ understanding of the practical relevance of social sciences. In the conclusion, I discuss how these critical points can be utilised in potential future projects that would investigate the current state of political science in the Czech Republic.