The highly different approaches of the two researchers, both of which are valid, highlight the timeliness of contemporary criminological researchers who are reconsidering the early roots of their profession, particularly insofar as the task of constructing grand theory must ultimately be based on individual cases. In their attempt to free themselves from the biases of ideology, contemporary positivist criminologists have politicized the field and, in the process, have caused ideologically-charged social harm. The commentary proposes that certain approaches to criminological research be re-evaluated with a focus on grounding research in such realities as the meaning of actions labeled delinquent or criminal and in transcendent aspects of human activity. 8 references