Preface to the Third Edition
Introduction
Empiricism and Positivism in Science
Some Problems of Empiricism and Positivism
Science, Nature and Society: Some Alternatives to Empiricism
Interpretive Approaches 1: Instrumental Rationality
Interpretive Approaches 2: Rationality as Rule-Following: Cultures, Traditions and Hermeneutics
Interpretive Approaches 3: Critical Rationality
Critical Realism and the Social Sciences
Feminism, Knowledge and Society
Post-Structuralism and Postmodernism
Critical Social Science, Nature and Human Nature
Nature, economy and society: can the contradictions be reconciled?
Conclusion: In Defence of Philosophy
Appendix I: Personal Conclusions
Appendix II: Obituary for Professor Ian Craib
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Philosophers and social scientists share a common goal: to explore fundamental truths about ourselves and the nature of the world in which we live. But in what ways do these two distinct disciplines inform each other and arrive at these truths? This third revised edition of this highly regarded text directly responds to such issues as it introduces students to the philosophy of social science.
This classic text has been brought up to date with a new introduction and commentaries reflecting on the original chapters in the context of more recent developments. Two brand new chapters discuss critical social science and one of the most pressing issues concerning social scientists today - how we interrogate human society's complex relationship with nature and its impact on biodiversity and climate change.
The book:
- Clearly introduces the theoretical underpinnings of social science, assuming no prior knowledge
- Addresses critical issues relating to the nature of social science
- Interrogates the relationship between social science and natural science
- Encompasses traditional and contemporary perspectives
- Introduces and critiques a wide range of approaches, from empiricism and positivism to post structuralism and rationalism.
Written in an engaging and student-friendly style, the book introduces key ideas and concepts while raising questions and opening debates. A cornerstone text in the Traditions in Social Theory series, this book remains essential reading for all students of social theory and social science research.