Making Social Science Matter: Why Social Inquiry Fails and How It Can Succeed Again

ISBN-13: 9780521775687 / Angielski / Miękka / 2001 / 212 str.

Bent Flyvbjerg

Opis

Making Social Science Matter presents an exciting new approach to social science, including theoretical argument, methodological guidelines, and examples of practical application. Why has social science failed in attempts to emulate natural science and produce normal theory? Bent Flyvbjerg argues that the strength of social science is in its rich, reflexive analysis of values and power, essential to the social and economic development of any society. Richly informed, powerfully argued, and clearly written, this book provides essential reading for all those in the social and behavioral sciences.

Recenzje

'Flyvbjerg's book is important and I would recommend it to all researchers of urban affairs. Making Social Science Matter is an important milestone in the discussion of how social science research might be undertaken and 'matter'. Flyvbjerg's discussion opens out for debate many of the key issues regarding research with social implications. This book is likely to remain a key reference for some time.' Urban Studies

Spis treści

1. The science wars: a way out; Part I. Why Social Science has Failed as Science: 2. Rationality, body, and intuition in human learning; 3. Is theory possible in social science?; 4. Context counts; Part II. How Social Science Can Matter Again: 5. Values in social and political inquiry; 6. The power of example; 7. The significance of conflict and power to social science; 8. Empowering Aristotle; 9. Methodological guidelines for a reformed social science; 10. Examples and illustrations: narratives of value and power; 11. Social science that matters; Notes; Index.