Science and social science : an introduction
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Science and social science : an introduction
Routledge, 2000
- : hbk
- : pbk
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Note
Bibliographical references: p. [154]-167
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
- Volume
-
: hbk ISBN 9780415194846
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.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Where did science come from?
- Chapter 2 Science and its method
- Chapter 3 Social science as science
- Chapter 4 Against science
- Chapter 5 Against science in social science
- Chapter 6 Science, objectivity and ethics
- Chapter 7 New science and new social science
- Chapter 8 Conclusion
- Volume
-
: pbk ISBN 9780415194853
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.
Table of Contents
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
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