symmetry postulate

is (as the main feature of the strong program) the methodological position that both true and false, and rational and irrational ideas, in as far as they are collectively held, should all equally be the object of sociological curiosity, and should all be explained by reference to the same kinds of cause.

SYMMETRY POSTULATE -TRUE AND FALSE -RATIONAL IRRATIONAL IDEAS -ARE EQUALLY THE OBJECT OF SOCIOLOGICAL CURIOSITY The main feature of the Program is the so-called 'symmetry postulate'. Both true and false, and rational and irrational ideas, in as far as they are collectively held, should all equally be the object of sociological curiosity, and should all be explained by reference to the same kinds of cause. In all cases the analyst must identify the local, contingent, causes of belief. (Bloor 1999 : 84)

symmetry postulate, n.All

symmetry postulate