A Realist Philosophy of Social Science

Explanation and Understanding

Häftad, Engelska, 2006

AvPeter T. Manicas,Manoa) Manicas, Peter T. (University of Hawaii

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This introduction to the philosophy of social science provides an original conception of the task and nature of social inquiry. Peter Manicas discusses the role of causality seen in the physical sciences and offers a reassessment of the problem of explanation from a realist perspective. He argues that the fundamental goal of theory in both the natural and social sciences is not, contrary to widespread opinion, prediction and control, or the explanation of events (including behaviour). Instead, theory aims to provide an understanding of the processes which, together, produce the contingent outcomes of experience. Offering a host of concrete illustrations and examples of critical ideas and issues, this accessible book will be of interest to students of the philosophy of social science, and social scientists from a range of disciplines.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2006-06-15
Mått152 x 229 x 18 mm
Vikt389 g
FormatHäftad
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor236
FörlagCambridge University Press
ISBN9780521678582

Tillhör följande kategorier

Sociologi inom Samhälle och politik

'With this book Manicas has filled a major need in the philosophy of social science, which has not given adequate critical attention to the problem of explanation. His argument that understanding not explanation as such is the primary goal of the sciences entails a wider assessment of the philosophy of the social sciences. This is an original contribution as well as being an important and very convincing statement of realism. It is likely to become a key work in the field.' Gerard Delanty, Professor of Sociology, University of Liverpool