Description
Book SynopsisProvides an introduction to major philosophical concepts, issues and debates raised by the social sciences. This book examines key conceptual and methodological questions and illustrates how they shape the practice of research, the interpretation of findings and theory formulation in such disciplines as economics, political science and psychology.
Trade Review'Reliable summaries and questions at the end of each chapter.' Times Higher Education
'...a helpful development towards a better understanding of the particular nature of the social sciences.' Alfonso Donoso, University of York, UK for Political Studies Review.
Title mention in Times Higher Education Supplement, February 2008
"Bishop's book is a very well executed textbook, perfectly suited for undergraduate courses or, if supplemented with additional material, graduate courses. It is geared towards students all the way through—i.e., rather than being a textbook written to impress one's colleagues! There are useful ‘further study' questions at the end of each chapter that are both perfect for self-study and for use by instructors (to base tutorials around, for example). Recommended readings, pitched at the right level, also follow each chapter...It describes itself as ‘the definitive companion', and I think it rally is...I shall certainly use Bishop's book for courses on the philosophy of social sciences." -Dean Rickles, Philosophy in Review
Table of ContentsPART I: Introduction; 1. Conceptions of Science; 2. Historical and Philosophical Roots of the Social Sciences: Hobbes, Durkheim, Weber; 3. Five Modes of Social Inquiry; PART II: Ideals, Values and Social Science Practices; 4. Cultural Ideals I: Instrumental Reason; 5. Cultural Ideals II: Political Liberalism and Liberal Individualism; 6. The Myth of Value Neutrality: Disguised Ideologies in Social Science; 7. Methodological Holism and Methodological Individualism; 8. Garbage in-Garbage out: Passing Values Off as Scientific Research; PART III: Disciplinary Issues; 9. Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences; 10. Rational and Social Choice Theory; 11. Political Science; 12. Economics; 13. Sociology; PART IV: Problems, Debates, Controversies; 14. Handling Data; 15. Determinism and Freedom; 16. Explanation in the Social Sciences; 17. Natural Sciences and Social Science; 18. Beyond Objectivism and Relativism Bibliography.
