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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.
List of contents
1. Critical Realism in Times of Crisis
2. Realism(s) and the Critique of Positivism
3. Basics: Ontology and Epistemology
4. Basics: Transcending Dualisms
5. Practicing Critical Realism
6. Neoliberalism, Growth and the Climate Crisis
7. Discourses and (De)constructions
8. Contemporary Critical Realism
9. What Critical Realism is (Not).
About the author
Hubert Buch-Hansen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Organization at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark.Peter Nielsen is PhD in Social Science and Associate Professor in Political Economy at Roskilde University, Denmark.
Summary
Winner: Cheryl Frank Memorial Prize for innovative writing on critical realism
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.
Additional text
[The book is] an exceptionally useful addition to the critical realist literature.
