The Philosophy of the Social Sciences: An Introduction

(Paperback)

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Description

This is the definitive companion to the study of the philosophy of the social sciences. It provides the student with an accessible, comprehensive and philosophically rigorous introduction to all the major philosophical concepts, issues and debates raised by the social sciences. Ideal for use in undergraduate courses, the structure and content of this textbook-the most thorough, clearly argued and up-to-date available-closely reflect the way the philosophy of the social sciences is studied and taught. The text examines key conceptual and methodological questions in the social sciences and illustrates how these shape the practice of research, the interpretation of findings and theory formulation in such disciplines as economics, political science and psychology. The book not only offers lucid and incisive coverage of the philosophy of the social sciences, but also extends the major debates and considers the latest directions in this growing area of philosophical interest. Robert C. Bishop's cogent and rigorous analysis is supplemented by useful pedagogical features, including key examples from philosophical writing; summaries of core debates; sample questions and exercises; and guides for further reading.

Reviews

'Reliable summaries and questions at the end of each chapter.' Times Higher Education
'...a helpful development towards a better understanding of the particular nature of the social sciences.' Alfonso Donoso, University of York, UK for Political Studies Review.
Title mention in Times Higher Education Supplement, February 2008
"Bishop's book is a very well executed textbook, perfectly suited for undergraduate courses or, if supplemented with additional material, graduate courses. It is geared towards students all the way throughi.e., rather than being a textbook written to impress one's colleagues! There are useful further study' questions at the end of each chapter that are both perfect for self-study and for use by instructors (to base tutorials around, for example). Recommended readings, pitched at the right level, also follow each chapter...It describes itself as the definitive companion', and I think it rally is...I shall certainly use Bishop's book for courses on the philosophy of social sciences." -Dean Rickles, Philosophy in Review

Author Bio

Dr Robert C. Bishop is John and Madeleine McIntyre Endowed Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at Wheaton College, USA. He has lectured in Philosophy at the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Science and has published widely in the philosophy of social science, psychology and science.