Relativistic Naturalism: A Cross-Cultural Approach to Human Science

(Hardback)

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In the last 20 years, there has been growing evidence of discontent with the social and behavioural sciences, both from outside and within these fields of study. Problems and criticisms include the accumulation of unrelated and unrelatable research results, lack of unification among the disciplines, inability conceptually to distinguish one discipline from another, and conversely, excessive fragmentation. Quin McLoughlin proposes a new set of disciplines for a human science, based on a relativist view of knowledge and a naturalist view of human nature. In his attempt to integrate the historical, cross-cultural, and life-span developmental dimensions of human behaviour, McLoughlin begins with a discussion of the issues of the nature of knowledge. He then presents the general outlines of a new psychological theory, and offers major considerations for a new sociological theory as well. The book concludes with a structure and general indications for method of the new human science and its function in society. McLoughlin addresses the major current issues of the philosophy of social science and designs his theory for cross-cultural application. He also offers an explanation of the relationships among the biological, psychological and sociological sciences. Philosophers of science, especially social science, should appreciate this work, as should scholars interested in the understanding and explanation of past and present human behaviour.

Reviews

McLoughlin tells us that his book and theory were stimulated by his lifelong frustration with social science theory and method. It is the crown jewel in the author's long and dedicated teaching career. The reader can find something to contemplate in any and every part of the book.-Contemporary Psychology
"McLoughlin tells us that his book and theory were stimulated by his lifelong frustration with social science theory and method. It is the crown jewel in the author's long and dedicated teaching career. The reader can find something to contemplate in any and every part of the book."-Contemporary Psychology

Author Bio

QUIN McLOUGHLIN is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago. He has continuously pursued study in the general theory of human behavior and group life. The theoretical framework for this book draws from 25 years of teaching developmental courses that encompass the total human life span.