MACRO-DYNAMICS - AN APPLICATION TO ISRAELI POLITICS

The paper attempts to tackle some basic problems regarding sociological theory construction, especially for modern societies. The proposed approach is methodological, although it touches on some basic philosophical problems. On the basis of two assumptions (difference from the natural sciences and narrow coverage), five methodological theses are proposed: 1. observation through linguistic signs; 2. explanation by macro-elements; 3. qualitativity; 4. dynamical explanations; 5. partial explanations. The paper deals with combinations of these theses with their implications. A case is briefly described to illustrate the application of the proposed approach.