A Realist Theory of Science (Verso Classics, 9) [Paperback]

Roy Bhaskar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997 | ISBN-10: 1859841031 | ISBN-13: 978-1859841037

This systematic study describes how only a conception of science as a social activity attempting to capture ever-deeper structures of the world can reconcile the conflicting insights of empiricism and rationalism. This position, which the author characterizes as transcendental realism, has the power to resolve many of the traditional problems in philosophy, such as the problems of induction and of universals. Since its original publication in 1975, a movement known as "critical realism" has developed on the basis of key concepts outlined in the text. Roy Bhaskar is the author of "Scientific Realism and Human Emancipation", "Dialectic: The Pulse of Freedom" and "Freedom Etc.".

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A genuinely original argument in the philosophy of science is a rare thing indeed. Bhaskar has produced a new... strong, elaborate and well-integrated, elegant and powerful argument.' - Rom Harre, Mind 1977

'A remarkably interesting and stimulating book in an area of philosophy in which such books have become all too rare.' - S. Korner, Times Literary Supplement 1975

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Roy Bhaskar is the originator of the philosophy of critical realism, and the author of many acclaimed and influential works including A Realist Theory of Science, The Possibility of Naturalism, Scientific Realism and Human Emancipation, Reclaiming Reality and Dialectic: The Pulse of Freedom. He is an editor of the recently published Critical Realism: Essential Readings and is currently chair of the Centre for Critical Realism. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Verso Books (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859841031
• ISBN-13: 978-1859841037
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,653,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the Basic Text on Critical Realism, July 5, 2006

By 

M. Cuellar "Critical Realist Junkie" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Realist Theory of Science (Verso Classics, 9) (Paperback)

If you REALLY want to understand Critical Realism, you have to read this book. Now be warned that it is a difficult read for those without a philosophical background. You will have to reread sections of it several times and it will take you a while to get it. Especially because it is a paradigm shift from what you are thinking now.

If you want to start with something less challenging, you might start with Collier's introduction to Bhaskar's thought.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic in the philosophy of science, October 2, 2009

By 

unaffiliated "unaffiliated" (Mountain View, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Realist Theory of Science (Classical Texts in Critical Realism) (Paperback)

One of the most important contributions to the philosophy of science. Essential reading for philosophically-inclined scientists and social scientists.

5 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't Read This Book Unless If You're Going For PhD, June 14, 2004

By 

Mikey (Taiwan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Realist Theory of Science (Verso Classics, 9) (Paperback)

This book is the source of a distinct paradigm in management research. The author raised many issues related to the assumptions that had been used as a basis for positivism, and suggests new approach of what he called realist science.

I can bet that 99% of normal people will find this book a mental torture, very few will ever proceed beyond page 2 of this book. If you imagine a long bearded person with long hair, sitting in a room full of books and muttering to himself of something totally incomprehensible while jotting something in a book, THIS is exactly the kind of book that you are going to read. In short, stay away unless if you have a commitment to enhance your knowledge in the philosophy of social science, which is not typical unless if you're enrolled in the first year PhD in Management. Good luck!