Philosophy of Social Science: The Methods, Ideals and Politics of Social Inquiry [Paperback]

Michael Root (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0631190422 | ISBN-13: 978-0631190424 | Publication Date: December 16, 1993 | Edition: 1

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a very attractive book. It is exceedingly well written. It is well organised; filled with interesting examples; and is quite comprehensive in scope. It contains any number of illuminating observations. Most importantly, its subject is significant, it keeps this subject in focus throughout, and it proposes its own distinctive approach to it." Brian Fay, Wesleyan University

"Raises so many fascinating and important questions in the philosophies of the social sciences." Marthe Atwater Chandler, Ethics

From the Back Cover

This book is a critical introduction to the philosophy of social science, providing a clear description and provocative account of many of the methods and ideals that guide research and teaching in the social sciences.

Root describes how theories are constructed and tested, how facts are predicted or explained, data collected and categorized, causes identified and findings presented in the social sciences and explains why, though the methods are intended to be value-free, they end up being partisan. Along with the description and criticism of the present philosophy of the social sciences, the book offers an alternative philosophy for the social sciences - based on ideals and methods for research and teaching that favor one conception of the good over others.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (December 16, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631190422
• ISBN-13: 978-0631190424
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,445,415 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars What planted the seed which brought forth root?, October 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Philosophy of Social Science: The Methods, Ideals and Politics of Social Inquiry (Paperback)

The social sciences sufficiently got rid of the human dimension long ago so that discussions on the human resemble something wholly different. Philosophy, these days, often wants to fine-tune what is popular (in the sciences) and that is what this book does. Rather than reinvigorate a field in need of much oxygen this book mostly reconsiders issues in a politically correct pragmatism. It's highlight is that it is easy to understand; doesn't seek to shroud in mystery the hinges that move the thinking that it is based upon.