Concept Formation in Social Science (Routledge Revivals) (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780415611268)

First published in 1983, this book examines the problems of concept formation in the social sciences, and in particular sociology, from the standpoint of a realistic philsophy of science. Beginning with a discussion of positivistic, hermeneutic, rationalist and realistic philsophies of science, Dr Outhwaite argues that realism is best able to furnish rational criteria for the choice and specification of social scientific concepts. A realistic philosophy of science therefore acts as his reference point for the dialectical presentation of alternative accounts.

Author: William Outhwaite
ISBN-10: 0415611261
ISBN-13: 9780415611268
Publisher: Routledge
Language: English
Published: 08/01/2011
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.69lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.56d