I've always wanted to read up on the social sciences (specifically psychology and sociology and their biological aspects) and get a better understanding of how the mind works/societies evolve and function. The problem is that the social sciences tend to be fuzzier and less precise, and are hotly debated and can be construed to meet some ideology. How do I approach these subjects as empirically and bias-free as is possible?
I love William James philosophically-speaking, but his The Principles of Psychology is more than one hundred years old so it's obviously not exactly ideal to start there, I would presuppose.
I come from (what you would call) a conservative perspective and so as far as sociology is concerned, I've really only ventured into Anthony M. Ludovici's works which are aristocratic and Nietzchean in orientation. I also consider myself a naturalist and a physicalist so any kind of explanation that rests on concepts of transcendent forces or souls or something will almost definitely not sway me, but I am open to any suggestions.
But yes, overall, how do I approach these subjects fairly? Thanks in advance to anyone who has any ideas.