An Introduction To The Philosophy Of Social Research

An Introduction To The Philosophy Of Social Research
Author: Tim May
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2002-11-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1135367167

This is an accessible introduction to the philosophy of social research which relates philosophical ideas to actual research practice. The book makes effective use of illustrations from the UK, US and Europe to examine specific problems and broader issues. The book is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in social research methods within sociology, social policy, politics, social psychology, human geography; philosophy of social science and social theory courses; and as a personal reference for professional researchers.

Key Concepts in the Philosophy of Social Research

Key Concepts in the Philosophy of Social Research
Author: Malcolm Williams
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2016-09-09
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1473986826

"This is a splendid book, providing a readable and reliable guide to a very large range of topics and literature... the author brings together, as few of us can, the details of research methodology and practice with broader philosophical perspectives and approaches." - William Outhwaite, Emeritus Professor, Newcastle University "We need researchers who are philosophically informed rather than philosophically obsessed or philosophically oppressed. With this book Malcolm Williams strikes the exact balance." - Ray Pawson, Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds This book is an ideal introduction for any student or social researcher hoping to better understand the philosophical issues that inform social research. Williams is the perfect guide providing short focused introductions to key concepts alongside a persuasive and engaging overview of how we interpret and conduct research. The book covers everything from core research methods, to ethical concerns and an exploration of the metaphysics of social life, with each entry providing: Clear definitions Engaging real world examples Up-do-date suggestions for further reading Informative cross-referencing Lists of key thinkers. Relevant and authoritative, this book is an indispensable introduction to the philosophy of social research.

Varieties Of Social Explanation

Varieties Of Social Explanation
Author: Daniel Little
Publisher: Westview Press
Total Pages: 294
Release: 1991
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN:

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.

Philosophy of Social Science

Philosophy of Social Science
Author: Nancy Cartwright
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 353
Release: 2014
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0199645108

This is a much-needed new introduction to a field that has been transformed in recent years by exciting new subjects, ideas, and methods. It is designed for students in both philosophy and the social sciences. Topics include ontology, objectivity, method, measurement, and causal inference, and such issues as well-being and climate change.

The Philosophy of Social Science

The Philosophy of Social Science
Author: Martin Hollis
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 284
Release: 1994-09-01
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 1316101770

This textbook by Martin Hollis offers an exceptionally clear and concise introduction to the philosophy of social science. It examines questions which give rise to fundamental philosophical issues. Are social structures better conceived of as systems of laws and forces, or as webs of meanings and practices? Is social action better viewed as rational behaviour, or as self-expression? By exploring such questions, the reader is led to reflect upon the nature of scientific method in social science. Is the aim to explain the social world after a manner worked out for the natural world, or to understand the social world from within?

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Methodology

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Methodology
Author: Kerry E Howell
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2012-11-13
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 1446271625

This book provides students with a concise introduction to the philosophy of methodology. The book stands apart from existing methodology texts by clarifying in a student-friendly and engaging way distinctions between philosophical positions, paradigms of inquiry, methodology and methods. Building an understanding of the relationships and distinctions between philosophical positions and paradigms is an essential part of the research process and integral to deploying the methodology and methods best suited for a research project, thesis or dissertation. Aided throughout by definition boxes, examples and exercises for students, the book covers topics such as: - Positivism and Post-positivism - Phenomenology - Critical Theory - Constructivism and Participatory Paradigms - Post-Modernism and Post-Structuralism - Ethnography - Grounded Theory - Hermeneutics - Foucault and Discourse This text is aimed at final-year undergraduates and post-graduate research students. For more experienced researchers developing mixed methodological approaches, it can provide a greater understanding of underlying issues relating to unfamiliar techniques.

Social Science

Social Science
Author: Gerard Delanty
Publisher: U of Minnesota Press
Total Pages: 180
Release: 1997
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9780816631278

It is argued that the conception of social science emerging today is one that involves a synthesis of radical constructivism and critical realism. The crucial challenge facing social science is a question of its public role: growing reflexivity in society has implications for the social production of knowledge and is bringing into question the separation of expert systems from other forms of knowledge.

Philosophy of Social Science

Philosophy of Social Science
Author: Michael Root
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Total Pages: 288
Release: 1993-12-08
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 9780631190424

This book is a critical introduction to the philosophy of social science. While most social scientists maintain that the social sciences should stand free of politics, this book argues that they should be politically partisan. Root offers a clear description and provocative criticism of many of the methods and ideals that guide research and teaching in the social sciences.

Philosophy of Social Science

Philosophy of Social Science
Author: Ted Benton
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 271
Release: 2017-09-16
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1137285214

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.

A Short Introduction to Social Research

A Short Introduction to Social Research
Author: Dr Matt Henn
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2005-11-09
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1848604831

This book introduces students and researchers to the key ideas and issues that inform research practice. Authors Matt Henn, Mark Weinstein, and Nick Foard provide a clear and easy-to-understand roadmap to help the reader plan their research project from beginning to end. This book is perfect for use on introductory methods courses and is also an invaluable guide for the first time researcher embarking on their own small-scale research project. It is the intention of this book to prepare students and new researchers for their research project. Brilliantly written throughout, this is your essential guide to the theory of research, the practice of research and the best ways to plan and manage your research.