Varieties of Social Explanation: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Science

By: Daniel Little

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Synopsis: 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.

Book Quality:: Excellent
Book Size:: 272 Pages
ISBN-13:: 9780813305653
Publisher:: Westview Press
Date of Addition:: 04/27/21
Copyrighted By:: Westview Press
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: Nonfiction, Study Guides, Social Studies, Philosophy, Sociology
Submitted By:: Worth Trust
Proofread By:: Worth Trust
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.