Scientific outlook is very essential for a learner of a discipline like sociology.
A man of science yearns to know. The scientist has to make use of all the available sources and means for the search of knowledge. The scientific outlook or viewpoint refers mainly to the way in which an individual looks at the things.
A scientist, to be called a scientist, must have the scientific outlook or perspective. To have this scientific outlook or viewpoint or perspective he must have certain qualities and follow certain basic norms. Some of them may be mentioned:
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(1) The scientist likes and loves truth. He is after facts. He is clear in his vision and careful in his statement of facts.
(2) The scientist maintains objectivity. He tries to separate his own wishes and values from the process of observation. He tries to control his likes and dislikes that may affect his inquiry.
(3) The scientist follows the amoral approach. He is ethically neutral. He never studies things as they ought to be. He deals with them as they arc. He never makes value-judgments.
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(4) The scientist is free from prejudices or preconceived notions. He is not swayed by the opinions or views of others. He cultivates the habit of dispassionate thinking and precise expression.
(5) The scientist is a man of courage. He is ever ready to face the facts. He never rejects the facts just because they are disliked by others. He never accepts the views which only cater to his prejudices. Failures cannot discourage him, for he is an unselfish seeker of truth. He is not afraid of facing truth under any circumstances.
(6) The scientist generally assumes that knowledge is worthwhile. He does not assume that on\y facts about people are more important and that facts about animals are not. As a scientist, he knows the importance of giving mankind more knowledge than it previously possessed.
(7) The scientist is broadminded in spirit. He never confines himself to the narrow religious, or racial or national and other kind of cell at the cost of facts and naked truths. He is uncompromising as far as truth is concerned.
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(8) The scientist is always analytical. He delves deep into the problems and tries to find answers for questions like—what? Why? How? He is rationalistic too.