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The social sciences often fail to examine in any systematic way the nature of their subject matter. Demonstrating that this is a central explanation of the widely acknowledged failings of the social sciences, not least of modern economics, this book sets about rectifying matters.
List of contents
Preface and acknowledgements. Part 1: Setting the context. 1. Why social ontology?.
Part 2: A general conception. 2. Ontology and the study of social reality: emergence, organisation, community, power, social relations, corporations, artefacts and money.
Part 3: Topics in scientific ontology. 3. The nature of the firm and peculiarities of the corporation. 4. The modern corporation: the site of a mechanism (of global social change) that is out-of-control?. 5. A theory of money. 6. The positioning and credit theories of money compared.
Part 4: The nature and dynamics of processes of emergence, reproduction and transformation. 7. Emergence, morphogenesis, causal reduction and downward causation. 8. Collective practices and norms.
Part 5: Consequences for projects of human emancipation. 9. Possibilities for emancipatory social change.
Index
About the author
Tony Lawson is Professor of Economics and Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, UK. He is also a co-Editor of the
Cambridge Journal of Economics and co-Founder of the Cambridge Realist Workshop and the Cambridge Social Ontology Group.
Summary
The social sciences often fail to examine in any systematic way the nature of their subject matter. Demonstrating that this is a central explanation of the widely acknowledged failings of the social sciences, not least of modern economics, this book sets about rectifying matters.
Additional text
*Winner of the 2020 Cheryl Frank Memorial Prize*
"If modern economics and philosophy are largely neglectful of ontology, they are especially so of social ontology. Tony Lawson’s impressive body of work is an exception to this, as is this strongly recommended book." John B. Davis, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Marquette University and University of Amsterdam
"Society needs innovative, critical thinking which enlightens on the complex and evolving nature of social reality, not least its economic aspects. Tony Lawson's latest contribution on this is a must-read." Sheila Dow, Emeritus Professor of Economics, University of Stirling
"As is universally, and rightly, recognised Tony Lawson is the leading scholar questioning the (social) ontology of economics. In this compelling volume, he takes a number of important steps forward, drawing on the more constructive aspects of his work in theorising such topics as money, the modern corporation, and alternative futures." Ben Fine, Professor of Economics, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
"The Nature of Social Reality is the book that we have all been waiting for: a rigorous philosophical account of social reality, written by a scholar with impeccable credentials as an economist and social theorist. In an intellectual environment in which philosophers are becoming increasingly interested in the nature of social phenomena (and contemporary social scientists have growing cause to examine their implicit philosophical commitments), Tony Lawson has delivered an invaluable resource at the perfect moment." Ruth Groff, Political Science, Saint Louis University
"When one thinks of Cambridge social ontology, one thinks of Tony Lawson, long the leader of that important current. It is very welcome therefore to have this collection of essays. Those unfamiliar with Lawson’s work will encounter one of the most forceful and influential statements on the nature of social reality to emanate from modern economics. Those already familiar will find their understanding deepened." Doug Porpora, Professor of Sociology, Drexel University
"In this splendid book, the philosopher-economist Professor Tony Lawson makes a powerful case for placing economics, and indeed all social theorising, on proper ontological foundations. An essential read for all social scientists." Lord Robert Skidelsky, Emeritus Professor of Political Economy, Warwick University
