Single cases and the laws of subjectivity

Abstract

The study of single cases has occupied an important position in the history of the human sciences and William Stephenson (1902–1989) has been explicit that the study of single cases from the centrality-of-self standpoint is the only way to proceed scientifically. Adopting the view that abductions, like laws, are for future use and provide guidance in helping determine what to look for and which facts have value within any domain of inquiry, this study focuses on what solitude means in individual cases. Two persons reflect on their own experiences under nine conditions of instruction inspired by various laws of subjectivity that have been proposed by Stephenson, and the factor-analytic results are used to illustrate various of the laws as well as the variety in individual lives, and to elucidate the importance of the intensive study of single cases.