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Critical Realism, Post-Positivism, and the Possibility of Knowledge

Tony Carter

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Published in Critical Realism Post Positivism And The Possibility Of Knowledge (Routledge Studies In Critical Realism)

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By Roy Bhaskar

This book offers a comprehensive overview of critical realism, a distinctive and influential approach to understanding the world and our knowledge of it. The author argues that critical realism provides a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of reality than either positivism or post-positivism, and he explores the implications of this for our understanding of knowledge, science, and social change.

Critical Realism, Post-positivism and the Possibility of Knowledge (Routledge Studies in Critical Realism)

by Ruth Groff

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	837 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	161 pages

Critical realism is a philosophical approach that seeks to overcome the limitations of both positivism and post-positivism. Positivism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of observation and experience, and it holds that all knowledge is derived from these sources. Post-positivism is a philosophical approach that rejects the idea that all knowledge is derived from observation and experience, and it holds that some knowledge can be derived from reason and logic. Critical realism seeks to overcome the limitations of both of these approaches by arguing that knowledge is derived from both observation and experience and reason and logic.

Critical realism has a number of implications for our understanding of knowledge, science, and social change. First, critical realism argues that knowledge is not simply a reflection of the world, but rather an interpretation of the world. This means that knowledge is always mediated by our own experiences, beliefs, and values. Second, critical realism argues that science is not a value-free enterprise, but rather a social and political activity. This means that science is always influenced by the values and beliefs of the scientists who conduct it. Third, critical realism argues that social change is not simply a matter of changing people's minds, but rather a matter of changing the social structures that shape their lives. This means that social change requires a combination of political and economic action.

Critical realism is a complex and challenging approach to understanding the world and our knowledge of it. However, it is also a powerful and insightful approach that offers a number of important insights into the nature of reality, knowledge, science, and social change.

The Metaphysics of Critical Realism
The Epistemology of Critical Realism
The Methodology of Critical Realism
The Implications of Critical Realism for Science
The Implications of Critical Realism for Social Change

Reviews

"Bhaskar's book is a major contribution to the field of critical realism. It is a comprehensive and insightful overview of the theory, and it explores the implications of critical realism for a wide range of issues, including science, social change, and knowledge." - Professor Anthony Giddens, University of Cambridge

"This book is a must-read for anyone interested in critical realism. Bhaskar provides a clear and concise overview of the theory, and he explores the implications of critical realism for a wide range of issues in a thoughtful and engaging way." - Professor Margaret Archer, University of Warwick

Critical Realism, Post-positivism and the Possibility of Knowledge (Routledge Studies in Critical Realism)

by Ruth Groff

5 out of 5