This Major Work focuses on critical social research, shedding a light on the wider philosophical and methodological issues and disputes associated with the topic of research ethics as they have arisen primarily in the social sciences but also in a number of other disciplinary fields. The four volumes contain an impressive range of contributions, both historical and contemporary in scope, arranged into eight thematic sections covering: Philosophy, ethics and social inquiry: themes and issues Alternative perspectives on ethics, science and social research Universities, ethical principles and...

At last, a short and authoritative critical introduction to one of the most talked about and most misunderstood concepts of current times. Barry Smart provides a clear and readable discussion for students which also manages to be a shrewd and stimulating contribution to the debate about modernity and postmodernity. Brightly observed and totally trustworthy it will occupy a central place in all introductions to the concept of postmodernity.

In this accomplished, comprehensive and accessible book Barry Smart explores these questions. The book examines the social and economic processes which have shaped and continue to shape life today. It also provides exemplary critical assessments of the various modern' and postmodern' thinkers who have sought to explain these processes. Judicious in its judgements and superbly informed, the text is a major contribution to the debate on Modernity and Postmodernity.