The Philosophical Foundations of Social Work

Surprisingly little attention has been devoted to examining basic assumptions regarding the purpose, method, and perspective on which the social work profession rests. The Philosophical Foundations of Social Work explores core philosophical issues in the field, and demonstrates their far-reaching implications for practice and research.
Although the field of social work has grown to encompass knowledge and understanding of such issues as mental illness, poverty, aging, substance abuse, and community development, "Reamer argues that the profession's philosophical foundations have gone largely unexamined. "The heart of any profession," he writes, "consists of a philosophical oriented statement of purpose and perspective." This book lays the groundwork for such a task.
Beginning with an original and succinct assessment of political philosophy - specifically, the state's role in social welfare, distributive justice, equality, and welfare rights - Reamer turns his attention to major themes such as moral philosophy, logic, epistemology, and aesthetics.
While Reamer's philosophical framework is nuanced and sophisticated, he never loses sight of the practical applications of his theories in regard to case work, group practice, family intervention, social policy, and administration. The topics raised in this provocative account will be of enduring interest to students, educators, and practitioners.

Frederic G. Reamer is a professor in the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. He is the author of Social Work Values and Ethics, Social Work Malpractice and Liability, The Philosophical Foundations of Social Work, and Ethical Dilemmas in Social Service; co-author of Rehabilitating Juvenile Justice; and editor of AIDS and Ethics and The Foundations of Social Work Knowledge, (all published by Columbia). He is also the author of the recently published Ethical Standards in Social Work: Commentary on the NASW Code of Ethics.