Philosophy, Science and Social Inquiry : Contemporary Methodological Controversies in Social Science and Related Applied Fields of Research

A lucid and lively exposition and critique of contemporary debates about the scientific standing of the research enterprise in the social sciences and related applied fields such as educational and nursing research. The book is organized into three main parts, the first section containing an exposition of the relevant developments in philosophy against which the practice of research in the social sciences and applied fields must be seen -- the work of Kuhn, Winch, Popper, Lakatos, Feyerabend and others, and the demise of positivism. In part two the various lines of attack on the integrity of social science and educational and nursing research are described and assessed. Finally, one wide but lively area is analyzed in the spirit of the Popperian critical rationalism discussed in the earlier parts of the book.

This thought provoking book will be valuable to undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty interested in problems raised by research and theory in the social and human sciences.
Choice
...will be very helpful for a number of our Social Science students...valuable for setting the issues in relation to science in general.
S. Strawbridge, Humberside College of Further Education
I consider this an excellent book. It is clear, brief and addresses important issues in a manner which is itself educative.
Eric Sotto, Acton College London
This book still provides interesting and concise treatments of many of the philosophical controversies attendant to applied research in the behavioral science... interesting and thought provoking reading, particularly for those uninitiated into the realm of philosophy of science and how it relates to investigation in the social science and in education... the book offers an introduction to the real and fascinating problems that are the proper province of all who are engaged in the quest for greater knowledge and certainty about the world and its essentially infinite aspects.
Educational Studies
In light of the anti-naturalist proclivity among religionists, this book is both refreshing and salutary.
Religious Studies Review