Critical Realism

by Margaret S Archer, Tony Lawson, Andrew Collier BSC MD Frcp(glasgow & Edinburgh)

Overview

Since the publication of Roy Bhaskar's A Realist Theory of Science in 1975, critical realism has emerged as one of the most powerful new directions in the philosophy of science and social science, offering a real alternative to both positivism and postmodernism. This reader makes accessible in one volume key readings to stimulate debate about and within critical realism, including: the transcendental realist philosophy of science elaborated in A Realist Theory of Science; Bhaskar's critical naturalist philosophy of social science; the theory of explanatory critique, which is central to critical realism; and the theme of dialectic, which is central to Bhaskar's most recent writings.

The volume includes extracts from Bhaskar's most important books, as well as selections from all of the other most important contributors to the critical realist program. It also includes both a general introduction and original introductions to each section.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415196314
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/17/1998
Series:	Critical Realism: Interventions (Hardcover)
Pages:	784
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.48(h) x 1.77(d)

Editorial Reviews

A collection of key readings to stimulate debate about and within critical realism. Four sections of the collection correspond to four parts of the writings of Roy Bhaskar. Part I explores the transcendental realist philosophy of science elaborated in Bhaskar's , and Part II examines his critical naturalist philosophy of social science. Part III is devoted to the theory of explanatory critique, and Part IV addresses the theme of dialectic, central to Bhaskar's most recent writings. Includes extracts from Bhaskar's most important works, as well as selections from other important contributors to the field. Contains a general introduction, and selection introductions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)

Booknews