Philosophy of Social Science
The Philosophical Foundations of Social Thought
2nd Edition
Published on 29. October 2010
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-0-230-24259-3 (ISBN)
Description
Philosophers 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? The 10th anniversary edition of this highly regarded text directly responds to such issues as it introduces students to the philosophy of social science.
While staying true to the writing of the late Ian Craib, this perennial text has been brought up to date by Ted Benton. This new edition includes previously unpublished personal insights from both authors, incorporates new commentaries on classic content and features an additional chapter on recent developments in the field.
The book:
Addresses critical issues relating to the nature of social science
Interrogates the relationship between social science and natural science
Encompasses traditional and contemporary perspectives
Introduces and critiques a wide range of approaches, from empiricism and positivism to post structuralism and rationalism.
Written in an engaging and student-friendly style, the book introduces key ideas and concepts while raising questions and opening debates. A cornerstone text in the Traditions in Social Theory series, this book remains essential reading for all students of social theory.
While staying true to the writing of the late Ian Craib, this perennial text has been brought up to date by Ted Benton. This new edition includes previously unpublished personal insights from both authors, incorporates new commentaries on classic content and features an additional chapter on recent developments in the field.
The book:
Addresses critical issues relating to the nature of social science
Interrogates the relationship between social science and natural science
Encompasses traditional and contemporary perspectives
Introduces and critiques a wide range of approaches, from empiricism and positivism to post structuralism and rationalism.
Written in an engaging and student-friendly style, the book introduces key ideas and concepts while raising questions and opening debates. A cornerstone text in the Traditions in Social Theory series, this book remains essential reading for all students of social theory.
Reviews / Votes
Reviews for the 1st Edition: 'Informative, comprehensive and accessible to a wide audience: this is how Benton and Craib's introduction to the philosophy of social science compares with current manuals in the field.' - British Journal of Sociology 'Laudably clear and concise...a first rate collaboration with a seamless quality.' - ChoiceMore details
Series
Edition
2nd ed. 2010
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
272 p.
Dimensions
Height: 23.4 cm
Width: 15.6 cm
Weight
576 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-230-24259-3 (9780230242593)
DOI
10.1007/978-1-137-28521-8
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
10/2010
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€44.93
Article exhausted; check different version
Previous edition
Book
12/2001
Palgrave Macmillan
€86.66
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
TED BENTON Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex, UK. He is the esteemed author of many books, including Philosophical Foundations of the Three Sociologies, The Rise and Fall of Structural Marxism and Natural Relations: Ecology, Animal Rights and Social Justice.
IAN CRAIB sometime Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex, UK, until his death in 2002. He was a prominent sociologist and the author of numerous books, including Modern Social Theory: From Parsons to Habermas and Classical Social Theory.
IAN CRAIB sometime Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex, UK, until his death in 2002. He was a prominent sociologist and the author of numerous books, including Modern Social Theory: From Parsons to Habermas and Classical Social Theory.
Content
Preface to the Second Edition.- Introduction to the First Edition.- 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.- Conclusion: In Defence of Philosophy.- Commentary on Recent Developments.- Appendix I: Personal Conclusions.- Appendix II: Obituary for Professor Ian Craib.- Glossary.- Bibliography.- Index.