Varieties of Social Explanation: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Science

by Daniel Little

Professor Little presents an introduction to the philosophy of social science with an emphasis on the central forms of explanation in social science: rational-intentional, causal, functional, structural, materialist, statistical and interpretive. The book is very strong on recent developments, particularly in its treatment of rational choice theory, microfoundations for social explanation, the idea of supervenience, functionalism, and current discussions of relativism.Of special interest is Professor Little's insight that, like the philosophy of natural science, the philosophy of social science can profit from examining actual scientific examples. Throughout the book, philosophical theory is integrated with recent empirical work on both agrarian and industrial society drawn from political science, sociology, geography, anthropology, and economics.Clearly written and well structured, this text provides the logical and conceptual tools necessary for dealing with the debates at the cutting edge of contemporary philosophy of social science. It will prove indispensible for philosophers, social scientists and their students.

Genres: Philosophy, Sociology, Grad School, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 1990

Reviews

[Kev Biff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Introductory book. The first two sections are great focusing on methods of different forms of social explanation (causal mechanism explanation, rational choice, functionalist, structuralist, statistical). The third part focusing on current controversies is the weakest, as it offers what appears to be somewhat incomplete explanations for the arguments for and against certain theories (microfoundations, naturalism/anti-naturalism, relativism), which is most likely due to the controversies being very contested and extensive which would have been beyond the scope of the book as an introduction.

[Brittany McLaughlin]

suggested summer reading by the head of M.I.T. anthropology department.

On the denser, more textbook-side.