Individualism in Social Science: Forms and Limits of a Methodology - Softcover

Bhargava, Rajeev

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195695712 ISBN 13: 9780195695717

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2008

Synopsis

The central argument of this book is that methodological individualism--the view that all social phenomena are explicable in ways that only involve individuals--is seriously challenged by a different approach in social science called contextualism. At the outset of his book, Rajeev Bhargava designs a two-fold programme. First, to identify the significant versions of methodological individualism, and to assess both their plausibility and feasibility. Second, to articulate contextualism as a rival conception of social science and to show that it is superior to even the most plausible forms of methodological individualism.

This book challenges this assumption by claiming that methodological individualism is neither trivial nor obviously true. The author presents this challenge by outlining an equally, if not more, credible non-individualist alternative. The dispute over individualism versus holism in social science is best treated here.

About this title

About the Author

Rajeev Bhargava is Senior Fellow and Director, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi.

Review

a very good book ... one that is clear, very carefully argued, well-organized, with a firm mastery of the relevant literature, and breath-taking from cover to cover. ... his presentations are always sufficiently detailed and his re-constructions precise and sophisticated. ... he certainly succeeds in reassembling the issues which urgently deserve careful examination by social scientists and philosophers and, in so doing, is setting the agenda for new debates in contemporary social science. I strongly recommend the book to every one who thinks that something can be improved in that domain, and still more strongly to those who think the opposite. * Canadian Journal of Philosophy, vol.26, no.2, June 1996 * 'certainly the most sophisticated and thorough work written from an anti-individualistic point of view ... The book's most admirable property is its judiciousness.' The Philosophical Quarterly, 1994 'This is a dense, scholarly work. Though its focus is precise, it touches upon a number of crucial debates in philosophy. The author introduces remarkable conceptual clarity in teasing out various strands of methodological individualism.' Jyotirmay Sharma, Financial Express, March 1993 'this book is one of the most accomplished works critiquing Methodological Individualism that has appeared anywhere ... the book will deservedly establish a major international reputation for the author ... Setting such a high standard, however, can be both rewarding and frustrating. Rewarding in obvious ways and frustrating because mediocrity is rarely comfortable recognising excellence.' Achin Vanaik, Indian Express, May 1993

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0195695712
• ISBN 13: 9780195695717
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 271