Science and Social Science
An Introduction
Published on 2. October 2012
192 pages
978-1-134-64782-8 (ISBN)
Description
Is social science really a science at all, and if so in what sense? This is the first question that any course on the philosophy of the social sciences must tackle. In this brief introduction, Malcolm Williams gives students the grounding that will enable them to discuss the issues involved with confidence. He looks at:
* The historical development of natural science and its distinctive methodology
* the case in favour of an objective science of the social which follows the same rules
* The arguments of social constructionists, interpretative sociologists and others against objectivity and even science itself
* recent developments in natural science - for instance the rise of complexity theory and the increased questioning of positivism - which bring it closer to some of the key arguments of social science.
Throughout, the book is illustrated with short clear examples taken from the actual practice of social science research and from popular works of natural science which will illuminate the debate for all students whatever their background.
* The historical development of natural science and its distinctive methodology
* the case in favour of an objective science of the social which follows the same rules
* The arguments of social constructionists, interpretative sociologists and others against objectivity and even science itself
* recent developments in natural science - for instance the rise of complexity theory and the increased questioning of positivism - which bring it closer to some of the key arguments of social science.
Throughout, the book is illustrated with short clear examples taken from the actual practice of social science research and from popular works of natural science which will illuminate the debate for all students whatever their background.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
File size
0,84 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-134-64782-8 (9781134647828)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
10/1999
1st Edition
Routledge
€267.41
Article not available at the moment
Book
10/1999
1st Edition
Routledge
€95.30
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Malcolm Williams is a Senior Lecturer in sociology at the University of Plymouth.
Content
Introduction 1. Where Did Science Come From? 2. Science and its Method 3. Social Science as Science 4. Against Science 5. Against Science in Social Science 6. Science, Objectivity and Ethics 7. New Science and New Social Science 8. Conclusion: The Science of Social Science
