Philosophy of social science a new introduction

"Philosophy of Social Science: A New Introduction" is a book written by Alexander Rosenberg, a prominent philosopher of science, that provides an introduction to the philosophy of social science. The book is designed to be accessible to students and scholars in the social sciences, as well as philosophers and scientists who are interested in the philosophy of social science.

Here is an overview of the book's contents and main themes:

Part I: The Nature of Social Science

• Chapter 1: "What is Social Science?" - Rosenberg introduces the concept of social science and its relationship to other sciences, such as natural science and humanities.
• Chapter 2: "The Social Sciences and the Natural Sciences" - Rosenberg discusses the differences and similarities between social science and natural science, including the role of observation, experimentation, and theory in each field.

Part II: The Methodology of Social Science

• Chapter 3: "The Methodology of Social Science" - Rosenberg explores the various methods used in social science, including surveys, experiments, and case studies.
• Chapter 4: "The Role of Values in Social Science" - Rosenberg discusses the role of values in social science, including the importance of objectivity and the potential for bias.

Part III: The Philosophy of Social Science

• Chapter 5: "The Nature of Social Reality" - Rosenberg examines the nature of social reality, including the concept of social structures and the role of human agency.
• Chapter 6: "The Problem of Social Explanation" - Rosenberg discusses the challenges of explaining social phenomena, including the role of individual behavior and social structures.
• Chapter 7: "The Limits of Social Science" - Rosenberg explores the limitations of social science, including the potential for bias and the difficulty of generalizing from specific cases.

Part IV: Contemporary Debates in the Philosophy of Social Science

• Chapter 8: "The Debate over Social Constructivism" - Rosenberg discusses the debate over social constructivism, including the role of language and culture in shaping social reality.
• Chapter 9: "The Debate over Methodological Individualism" - Rosenberg explores the debate over methodological individualism, including the role of individual behavior in shaping social phenomena.
• Chapter 10: "The Debate over the Nature of Social Science" - Rosenberg discusses the ongoing debates over the nature of social science, including the role of theory and the relationship between social science and other sciences.

Conclusion

• Rosenberg concludes the book by summarizing the main themes and debates in the philosophy of social science, and highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and inquiry in this field.

Overall, "Philosophy of Social Science: A New Introduction" provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the philosophy of social science, covering topics such as the nature of social science, methodology, and contemporary debates. The book is suitable for students and scholars in the social sciences, as well as philosophers and scientists who are interested in the philosophy of social science.