Paradigms and Fairy Tales

First published in 1975, this classic work is a unique introduction to the epistemology and practice of social science.
For the non-sociologist it provides an exposition and critique of the ideology and practice of social science, and an examination of the professional social scientist as a manipulator of ideas and appearances; his claims to expertise are exposed, and some rules for judging dialogues about social science "evidence" are suggested.
The work is also a valuable, basic methodology text or, more precisely, an anti-text. It provides the practising researcher with a concise manual of elementary research procedures and techniques, accompanied by a series of practical hints.
On yet another level, this may be read as an allegorical fairy tale. It is the story of the rise and fall of a curious alpine civilization and of the fortunes of the devotees of a strange cult of mountaineering heroes, who, even now, are regrouping for a new assault on the summit.

Summary

First published in 2006. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Product details

• Authors: Julienne Ford, Ford Julienne
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 15.08.2006
• EAN: 9780415401982
• ISBN: 978-0-415-40198-2
• No. of pages: 512
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 222 mm x 57 mm
• Series: Routledge Library Editions; Routledge Library Editions
• Subject: Social sciences, law, business > Sociology