Critical Realism Basics and Beyond

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Synopsis

This new textbook offers a succinct yet broad introduction to critical realism, an increasingly popular approach to the philosophy of science that provides a holistic alternative to both positivism and postmodernism. This text sets out the central concepts, arguments and understandings in critical realism and relates them to social scientific practice. In addition to answering the question 'what is critical realism?', the authors consider critical realism in light of two crucial themes in contemporary society – neoliberalism and climate change – which run as common threads throughout the chapters. While some introductions to the topic focus exclusively on the work of Roy Bhaskar – critical realism's best-known proponent – this text covers a much wider range of thinkers and social researchers, and also features Key Concept boxes and CR in Action boxes throughout to aid the reader through this complex yet rewarding subject.This text is the perfect entry point for all those studying critical realism for the first time, or for those seeking to re-familiarise themselves with this approach. Whether you're studying critical realism as part of a broader course on the philosophy of science or seeking to apply critical realist methods to a particular research project, this book is essential reading for the social sciences, humanities and beyond.

Book details

Author:
Hubert Buch-Hansen, Peter Nielsen
ISBN:
9781350314429
Related ISBNs:
9781352010671
Publisher:
Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages:
N/A
Reading age:
Not specified
Includes images:
Yes
Date of addition:
2021-11-06
Usage restrictions:
Copyright
Copyright date:
2020
Copyright by:
Hubert Buch-Hansen and Peter Nielsen, under exclusive licence to Macmillan Education Limited 
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Categories:
Nonfiction, Philosophy, Sociology