The Philosophy of Social Science: An Introduction

Martin Hollis

doi:10.1017/CCOL0521447801

The Philosophy of Social Science

An Introduction

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?

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The Philosophy of Social Science

An Introduction

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-x

1 - Introduction: problems of structure and action
pp 1-22

2 - Discovering truth: the rationalist way
pp 23-39

3 - Positive science: the empiricist way
pp 40-65

4 - Ants, spiders and bees: a third way?
pp 66-93

5 - Systems and functions
pp 94-114

6 - Games with rational agents
pp 115-141

7 - Understanding social action
pp 142-162

8 - Self and roles
pp 163-182

9 - Explaining and understanding
pp 183-201

10 - A value-neutral social science?
pp 202-223

11 - Rationality and relativism
pp 224-247

12 - Conclusion: two stories to tell
pp 248-260

Bibliography
pp 261-267

Index
pp 268-270

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The Philosophy of Social Science

An Introduction

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