The philosophy of social science : an introduction

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Title:

Author:

Hollis, Martin.

ISBN:

9780521442640

9780521447805

Personal Author:

Hollis, Martin.

Publication Information:

Cambridge [England] ; New York, NY, USA : Cambridge University Press, 1994.

Physical Description:

x, 268 p. ; 22 cm.

Contents:

1. Introduction: problems of Structure and Action -- 2. Discovering truth: the rationalist way -- 3. Positive science: the empiricist way -- 4. Ants, Spiders and Bees: a third way? -- 5. Systems and functions -- 6. Games with Rational Agents -- 7. Understanding social action -- 8. Self and roles -- 9. Explaining and understanding -- 10. A value-neutral social science? -- 11. Rationality and relativism -- 12. Conclusion: two stories to tell.

Subject Term:

Social sciences -- Philosophy.

Copies:

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Item Barcode	Shelf Number	Copy	Status
Searching... 1:IIEMSA	1:GEN-BOOK	33168025426251	300.1 H743P 1994	1	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

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?