Beyond the Methodenstreit

If we take a close look at the historical institutions under which scientists or scientific schools develop their theories, we can also draw conclusions about which institutions are conducive to the formation of good theories and which are not. This is especially true if competing schools pursue theory building under different historical institutions and if these rival institutions find expression in geopolitical disputes and aggressions; for example, when in a certain historical phase, such as at the time of the Methodenstreit, one school develops theories under a restrictive regime (Germany), while its competitor (Austria) practices the same in a comparatively liberal milieu.