Found an interesting article a few minutes ago, thought it might make an interesting discussion http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/04/are_facts_obsolete.html One paragraph that caught my attentions was: nice to know that at least someone other than me is aware of this...
Relixx, nice post. I think that's true. I know it is something I contend with all the time. It's what I call "intellectual courage" to delve into raw material for research with no preconceived notion guiding the search (or ignoring data which clearly goes against the notion), but I find it hard as hell. And it is an ongoing thing. I knew of one late professor from Berkeley who was a leader in "convergence theory" and predictions re: the end of the nation state, along "functionalist" lines. He spent the better part of the last 30 or so years developing the theory - and saw it sorely tested with the resurgence of nationalism over the last decade or so. I think he is still right, but it took a lot of courage on his part to admit some shortcomings of the main theory.