Philosophy of Social Science: The Philosophical Foundations of Social Thought

by Ian Craib, Ian Craib

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 This new edition includes previously unpublished personal insights from both authors, incorporates new commentaries on classic content and features an additional chapter on recent developments in the field.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.

Genres: Sociology, Philosophy, Academic, Social Science

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[M L Delshad · Rating 4 out of 5]

از بهترین کتابهای فلسفه علوم اجتماعی
چه از لحاظ جامعیت و چه از لحاظ عمق بررسیها و نگاه انتقادی. به خصوص فصل رئالیسم انتقادی

[Alexander O. Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although certain sections of this book seem to tie together ideas of philosophy in the sciences and the following social science applications of that philosophy particularly well, there are times it fails completely to explain entire sections of philosophical investigation.

On the influences of Marx, the book often fails to justify exactly how Marx applies, and is particularly sparse in clarifying the feminist positions of epistemology. If anything, it has made me more confused on these topics than when I started on these points rather than more directed in where I can gain understanding. Perhaps this book should have been two: Philosophy and History of Empiricism of Social Science and Philosophy and History of Rationalism and Realism of Social Science.

[Z Nayebi · Rating 3 out of 5]

برای آشنایی اجمالی با مباحث فلسفه علوم اجتماعی خوب است. البته ترجمه اش به نظرم خیلی خوب نیست.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very small very dense series of essays authored by Benton and Craib surprised again and again, perhaps because of my profound ignorance of both philosophy and social science. The book turns out to be a good way to review the 20th century development of both fields. I especially like Craib's quik&dirty tour from Weber to post-modernism.

[ehk2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the fields of sociology of knowledge, philosophy of science and social theory in general.