Social Work and Social Philosophy : A Guide for Practice

With the role of the social services increasingly being questioned, the values and general principles of social work are attracting considerable attention. First published in 1985, Social Work and Social Philosophy looks at the issues involved and provides social workers with a conceptual framework for understanding and analysing the moral and political questions that are inextricably linked to the practice of social work.

Giving a practice-based analysis of the moral problems facing the social worker in day-to-day professional activity, the authors discuss the meaning and application of several centrally important topics from the language of social work values in the light of major theories from social philosophy. The subjects covered include: the person, rights and duties, self-determination, professional ethics, social work theory, ideology.

While the treatment is philosophical, the topics raised are highly pertinent to everyday social work practice, and the book is written for an audience primarily interested in practice rather than philosophy for its own sake. The issues raised are relevant to other welfare professions, for whose practitioners the book will also be useful.

Chris L. Clark is Professor Emeritus at the Edinburgh University. From 2000 to 2003 he was Head of Social Work at the university. From 2004 to 2008 He was Dean of Postgraduate Studies in the College of Humanities and Social Science. His research interests include professional ethics and knowledge.

Stewart Asquith was a leading academic researcher and international activist in the field of children's rights.