03364nam 2200673Ia 450 991081530140332120200520144314.01-107-16815-50-511-64847-20-511-21942-30-511-56903-30-511-60703-20-511-22010-39780521861403 (hbk.)9780521378582 (pbk.)(CKB)1000000000352169(EBL)261145(OCoLC)171139316(SSID)ssj0000283446(PQKBManifestationID)11912539(PQKBTitleCode)TC0000283446(PQKBWorkID)10249860(PQKB)10903279(UkCbUP)CR9780511607035(MiAaPQ)EBC261145(Au-PeEL)EBL261145(CaPaEBR)ebr10130403(OCoLC)124039331(EXLCZ)99100000000035216920060112d2006 uy 0engur|||||||||||txtrdacontentcrdamediacrrdacarrierA realist philosophy of social science explanation and understanding /Peter T. Manicas1st ed.Cambridge, UK ;New York Cambridge University Press20061 online resource (ix, 225 pages) digital, PDF file(s)Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).0-521-67858-7 0-521-86140-3 Includes bibliographical references (p. 200-216) and index.Explanation and understanding -- Theory, experiment and the metaphysics of Laplace -- Explanation and understanding in the social sciences -- Agents and generative social mechanisms -- Social science and history -- Markets as social mechanisms -- Appendix A: The limits of multiple regression -- Appendix B: Comparison, Mill's methods and narrative -- Appendix C: Rational choice theory and historical sociology -- Appendix D: The neo-classical model.This introduction to the philosophy of social science provides an original conception of the task and nature of social inquiry. Peter Manicas discusses the role of causality seen in the physical sciences and offers a reassessment of the problem of explanation from a realist perspective. He argues that the fundamental goal of theory in both the natural and social sciences is not, contrary to widespread opinion, prediction and control, or the explanation of events (including behaviour). Instead, theory aims to provide an understanding of the processes which, together, produce the contingent outcomes of experience. Offering a host of concrete illustrations and examples of critical ideas and issues, this accessible book will be of interest to students of the philosophy of social science, and social scientists from a range of disciplines.Social sciencesPhilosophySocial sciencesStudy and teachingSocial sciencesPhilosophy.Social sciencesStudy and teaching.300.108.44bclManicas Peter T0MiAaPQMiAaPQMiAaPQBOOK9910815301403321A realist philosophy of social science4087732UNINA