Empiricism, Explanation and Rationality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of the Social Sciences

by Len Doyal, Roger Harris

Overview

Originally published in 1986. All students of social science must confront a number of important philosophical issues. This introduction to the philosophy of the social sciences provides coherent answers to questions about empiricism, explanation and rationality. It evaluates contemporary writings on the subject which can be as difficult as they are important to understand. Each chapter has an annotated bibliography to enable students to pursue the issues raised and to assess for themselves the arguments of the authors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415847377
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/19/2013
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: History & Philosophy of Science
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. The problems of empiricism. 2 Explanation in the natural sciences. 3 Explanation in the social sciences. 4 The social character of actions and persons. 5 Freedom, self-understanding & ideology. 6 Rationality, language and relativism. 7 What is wrong with relativism?. 8 Social structure and its moral evaluation. Bibliography. Index

Editorial Reviews

'A superb book…absolutely first class. The text is extremely clear and cogent and discusses some of the very complex issues involved in an exceedingly accessible, yet very sophisticated way.' – Anthony Giddens

'…an excellent introduction to the philosophy of the social sciences.' – Richard J Bernstein

From the Publisher