Critical Realism: Basics and Beyond

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Winner: Cheryl Frank Memorial Prize for innovative writing on critical realism This new textbook offers a succinct yet broad introduction to critical realism, an increasingly popular approach to the philosophy of science that provides a holistic alternative to both positivism and postmodernism. This text sets out the central concepts, arguments and understandings in critical realism and relates them to social scientific practice. In addition to answering the question what is critical realism, the authors consider critical realism in light of two crucial themes in contemporary society neoliberalism and climate change which run as common threads throughout the chapters. While some introductions to the topic focus exclusively on the work of Roy Bhaskar critical realisms best-known proponent this text covers a much wider range of thinkers and social researchers, and also features Key Concept boxes and CR in Action boxes throughout to aid the reader through this complex yet rewarding subject. This text is the perfect entry point for all those studying critical realism for the first time, or for those seeking to re-familiarise themselves with this approach. Whether youre studying critical realism as part of a broader course on the philosophy of science or seeking to apply critical realist methods to a particular research project, this book is essential reading for the social sciences, humanities and beyond.

Reviews

Relevant and interesting, this is an insightful introduction to the thoughts in critical realism. I can certainly see myself using this book in my teaching and I will be happy to recommend it to my students. * Lene Nyhus, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway *
A readily accessible, well-written, and wide-ranging presentation of explicit and implicit critical realist texts that also uses case studies to show their advantages compared with other approaches in the natural and social sciences in relation to important contemporary issues. * Bob Jessop, Lancaster University, UK *
One of the few excellent books that give a full spectrum of critical realism, in a concise, assessible manner. A short entry point for scholars starting a critical realist excursion. Particularly inspiring for making reflections during a time of crisis. * Jin Xue, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway *
This is an accessible introduction to critical realism and competing perspectives, using the crises of neoliberal capitalism, and the climate, to illustrate critical realisms relevance for making sense of our world. * Steve Fleetwood, Emeritus Professor, University of the West of England, UK *
In relatively few pages, Critical Realism offers an impressive introduction to one of the more demanding perspectives on social sciences. Not only does the book place critical realism within a larger ontological and epistemological landscape; it also offers a concise description of its analytical toolbox along with very concrete examples of critical realist research in practice. Essential reading for all students and researchers working with critical realism. * Susanne Ekman, Roskilde University, Denmark *
[The book is] an exceptionally useful addition to the critical realist literature. * Journal of Critical Realism *

Author Bio

Hubert Buch-Hansen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Organization at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. Peter Nielsen is PhD in Social Science and Associate Professor in Political Economy at Roskilde University, Denmark.