Critical Realism, Post-positivism and the Possibility of Knowledge / Edition 1

by Ruth Groff

Overview

Groff defends 'realism about causality' through close discussions of Kant, Hilary Putnam, Brian Ellis and Charles Taylor, among others. In so doing she affirms critical realism, but with several important qualifications. In particular, she rejects the theory of truth advanced by Roy Bhaskar. She also attempts to both clarify and correct earlier critical realist attempts to apply realism about causality to the social sciences.
By connecting issues in metaphysics and philosophy of science to the problem of relativism, Groff bridges the gap between the philosophical literature and broader debates surrounding socio-political theory and poststructuralist thought. This unique approach will make the book of interest to philosophers and socio-political theorists alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415334730
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/22/2004
Series:	Routledge Studies in Critical Realism
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ruth Groff is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is interested in the history of Western social, political and moral thought and in theories about causality and the concept of truth. Past publications include The Truth of the Matter, a systematic critique of Roy Bhaskar's theory of truth.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 On the necessity of necessary connections; Chapter 3 Natural kinds; Chapter 4; Chapter 5 Recovering Aristotle; Chapter 6 Conclusion; Bibliography; Index;

Editorial Reviews

'A 'must read' for anybody seeking to advance their understanding of CR' - Nursing Philosophy, 7

' Ruth Groff attests to the challenging, dynamic and fluid nature of CR thought through sympathetic but relentlessly critical engagement with Bhaskar's unfolding legacy.' - Martin Lipscomb, University of the West of England

From the Publisher