'n Tipologie van veralgemenings in die literatuurwetenskap

Abstract

As scientific practice is impossible without generalization, and as testability is a distinctive feature of scientific communication, the question arises, on the one hand, concerning the nature, the function and the conditions for correct use of generalization in the science of literature, and on the other hand, concerning its relationship to the cycle of enquiry as the most acceptable research model. By way of logical analysis a typology of generalizations has been postulated in reply to the question, and two ideal types have been distinguished, namely the empirical conclusion and the theoretical presupposition. Also indicated, is the systematic relation between the typology and the basic components of the science of literature.

Opsomming
Omdat wetenskapsbeoefening onmoontlik is sonder veralgemening, en toetsbaarheid 'n onderskeidende kenmerk is van wetenskaplike kommunikasie, word die vraag gestel, enersyds, na die aard, funksie en voorwaardes vir korrekte gebruik van die veralgemening in die literatuurwetenskap, en andersyds, na die verband daarvan met die ondersoeksiklus as navorsingsmodel by uitstek. Ter beantwoording van die vraag word by wyse van logiese analise 'n tipologie van veralgemenings uitgewerk en twee ideaaltipes onderskei, t.w. die empiriese konklusie en die teoretiese veronderstelling. Die sistematiese verband daarvan met die basiese komponente van die literatuurwetenskap word ook aangedui.