1. Inconvenient Facts and Empirical Studies

2. Just like the examples we discussed…
Sociologists don’t always like the results of their research.
Max Weber termed these “inconvenient facts” = pieces of evidence that contradict what we have always believed &/or want to believe about the world.
Sociologists feel the need to deal with these facts.

3. Empirical: Observable through the use of one’s senses
Sociological Questions
Non-Sociological Questions
Do people in a particular society believe in god?
What impact does belief in god(s) have on one’s behavior?
What are the manifest and latent functions of religion in society?
Is there a god?
Is god more fond of Buddhists, Jews or Catholics?
Is religion “x” more correct in its beliefs that religion “y”?