Description
Book SynopsisPhilosophers and social scientists share a common goal: to explore fundamental truths about ourselves and the nature of the world in which we live. But in what ways do these two distinct disciplines inform each other and arrive at these truths? This third revised edition of this highly regarded text directly responds to such issues as it introduces students to the philosophy of social science. This classic text has been brought up to date with a new introduction and commentaries reflecting on the original chapters in the context of more recent developments. Two brand new chapters discuss critical social science and one of the most pressing issues concerning social scientists today - how we interrogate human society's complex relationship with nature and its impact on biodiversity and climate change. The book:- Clearly introduces the theoretical underpinnings of social science, assuming no prior knowledge- Addresses critical issues relating to the nature of social science- Interrogate
Table of ContentsPreface to the Third Edition Introduction Empiricism and Positivism in Science Some Problems of Empiricism and Positivism Science, Nature and Society: Some Alternatives to Empiricism Interpretive Approaches 1: Instrumental Rationality Interpretive Approaches 2: Rationality as Rule-Following: Cultures, Traditions and Hermeneutics Interpretive Approaches 3: Critical Rationality Critical Realism and the Social Sciences Feminism, Knowledge and Society Post-Structuralism and Postmodernism Critical Social Science, Nature and Human Nature Nature, economy and society: can the contradictions be reconciled? Conclusion: In Defence of Philosophy Appendix I: Personal Conclusions Appendix II: Obituary for Professor Ian Craib Glossary Bibliography Index
