Realism And Complexity In Social Science

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Realism and Complexity in Social Science

Malcolm Williams
Realism and Complexity in Social Science Book PDF

Author : Malcolm Williams
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 263 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2020-12-30
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780429812873

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Realism and Complexity in Social Science by Malcolm Williams Pdf

Realism and Complexity in Social Science is an argument for a new approach to investigating the social world, that of complex realism. Complex realism brings together a number of strands of thought, in scientific realism, complexity science, probability theory and social research methodology. It proposes that the reality of the social world is that it is probabilistic, yet there exists enough invariance to make the discovery and explanation of social objects and causal mechanisms possible. This forms the basis for the development of a complex realist foundation for social research, that utilises a number of new and novel approaches to investigation, alongside the more traditional corpus of quantitative and qualitative methods. Research examples are drawn from research in sociology, epidemiology, criminology, social policy and human geography. The book assumes no prior knowledge of realism, probability or complexity and in the early chapters, the reader is introduced to these concepts and the arguments against them. Although the book is grounded in philosophical reasoning, this is in a direct and accessible style that will appeal both to social researchers with a methodological interest and philosophers with an interest in social investigation.

Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences

David Byrne,Gillian Callaghan
Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences Book PDF

Author : David Byrne,Gillian Callaghan
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 343 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2013-09-11
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781134084982

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Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences by David Byrne,Gillian Callaghan Pdf

For the past two decades, ‘complexity’ has informed a range of work across the social sciences. There are diverse schools of complexity thinking, and authors have used these ideas in a multiplicity of ways, from health inequalities to the organization of large scale firms. Some understand complexity as emergence from the rule-based interactions of simple agents and explore it through agent-based modelling. Others argue against such ‘restricted complexity’ and for the development of case-based narratives deploying a much wider set of approaches and techniques. Major social theorists have been reinterpreted through a complexity lens and the whole methodological programme of the social sciences has been recast in complexity terms. In four parts, this book seeks to establish ‘the state of the art’ of complexity-informed social science as it stands now, examining: the key issues in complexity theory the implications of complexity theory for social theory the methodology and methods of complexity theory complexity within disciplines and fields. It also points ways forward towards a complexity-informed social science for the twenty-first century, investigating the argument for a post-disciplinary, ‘open’ social science. Byrne and Callaghan consider how this might be developed as a programme of teaching and research within social science. This book will be particularly relevant for, and interesting to, students and scholars of social research methods, social theory, business and organization studies, health, education, urban studies and development studies.

Applying Social Science

Byrne, David
Applying Social Science Book PDF

Author : Byrne, David
Publisher : Policy Press
Page : 240 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2011-02-16
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781847424501

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Applying Social Science by Byrne, David Pdf

This important book examines how social science is applied now and how it might be applied in the future in relation to social transformation in a time of crisis.

New Thinking in Complexity for the Social Sciences and Humanities

Ton Jörg
New Thinking in Complexity for the Social Sciences and Humanities Book PDF

Author : Ton Jörg
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 326 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2011-08-09
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9789400713031

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New Thinking in Complexity for the Social Sciences and Humanities by Ton Jörg Pdf

The underlying idea and motive for the book is that the notion of complexity may humanize the social sciences, may conceive the complex human being as more human, and turn reality as assumed in our doing social science into a more complex, that is a richer reality for all. The main focus of this book is on new thinking in complexity, with complexity to be taken as derived from the Latin word complexus: ‘that which is interwoven.’ The trans-disciplinary approach advocated here will be trans-disciplinary in two ways: firstly, by going beyond the separate disciplines within the fields of both natural sciences and social sciences, and, secondly, by going beyond the separate cultures of the natural sciences and of the social sciences and humanities.

Perspectival Realism

Michela Massimi
Perspectival Realism Book PDF

Author : Michela Massimi
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 442 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2022
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780197555620

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Perspectival Realism by Michela Massimi Pdf

"What does it mean to be a realist about science if one takes seriously the view that scientific knowledge is always perspectival, namely historically and culturally situated? In this book, Michela Massimi articulates an original answer to this question. The book begins with an exploration of how scientific communities often resort to several models and a plurality of practices in some areas of inquiry, drawing on examples from nuclear physics, climate science, and developmental psychology. Taking this plurality in science as a starting point, Massimi explains the perspectival nature of scientific representation, the role of scientific models as inferential blueprints, and the variety of scientific realism that naturally accompanies such a view. Perspectival realism is realism about phenomena (rather than about theories or unobservable entities). The book defends this novel realist view, which places epistemic communities and their situated knowledge center stage. The result is a portrait of scientific knowledge as a collaborative inquiry, where the reliability of science is made possible by a plurality of historically and culturally situated scientific perspectives. Along the way, Massimi offers insights into the nature of scientific modelling, scientific knowledge qua modal knowledge, data-to-phenomena inferences, and natural kinds as sortal concepts. Perspectival realism is ultimately realism that takes the multicultural nature of science seriously and couples it with cosmopolitan duties about how one ought to think about scientific knowledge and the distribution of the benefits resulting from scientific advancements"--

Realism and Social Science

R. Andrew Sayer
Realism and Social Science Book PDF

Author : R. Andrew Sayer
Publisher : SAGE
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2000-02-11
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 0761961240

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Realism and Social Science by R. Andrew Sayer Pdf

Realism and Social Science offers an authoritative guide to critical realism and an assessment of its virtues in comparison with other leading traditions in social science. It is illustrated throughout with relevant and accessible examples.

Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences

David Byrne
Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences Book PDF

Author : David Byrne
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 215 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 2002-01-04
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781134714742

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Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences by David Byrne Pdf

Chaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences introduces students to the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories. It discusses key concepts before using them as a way of investigating the nature of social research. By applying them to such familiar topics as urban studies, education and health, David Byrne allows readers new to the subject to appreciate the contribution which complexity theory can make to social research and to illuminating the crucial social issues of our day.

Agile Actors on Complex Terrains

Graham Room
Agile Actors on Complex Terrains Book PDF

Author : Graham Room
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 253 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 2016-06-17
Category : Health & Fitness
ISBN : 9781317338055

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Agile Actors on Complex Terrains by Graham Room Pdf

This book assesses the value and relevance of the literature on complex systems to policy-making, contributing to both social theory and policy analysis. For this purpose it develops two key ideas: agile action and transformative realism. The book takes some major themes from complexity science, presents them in a clear and accessible manner and applies them to core problems in sociological theory and policy analysis. Combining complexity science with perspectives from institutionalism and political economy, this book is the first to integrate these fields conceptually, methodologically and in terms of the implications for policy analysis and practice. Room shows how the models and methods of social and complexity science can be jointly deployed and applied to empirical areas of public policy. He demonstrates how complexity science can provide insight into the nonlinear dynamics of the social world, but why these need to be understood by reference to the unequal distribution of power and advantage. Among the sociological debates with which the book engages are those concerned with causation and explanation, rational action and positional competition, and the place of evolutionary concepts in accounts of social change. Among the policy debates are those concerned with evidence and policy, the dynamics of inequality, and libertarian paternalism. The book will appeal to final year undergraduates and postgraduate students in social sciences; scholars in social and policy studies broadly defined; policy-makers who want to go beyond conventional discussions of evidence-based policy-making and cross-national lesson-drawing, and consider how to approach complex and turbulent policy terrains; and a wider range of scholars in other disciplines where complexity science is already well developed.

Method in Social Science

R. Andrew Sayer
Method in Social Science Book PDF

Author : R. Andrew Sayer
Publisher : Psychology Press
Page : 326 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 1992
Category : Social sciences
ISBN : 9780415076074

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Method in Social Science by R. Andrew Sayer Pdf

Widely praised on its first publication, this second edition directly reflects new developments in the areas of philosophy and method.

Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences

David Byrne,Gillian Callaghan
Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences Book PDF

Author : David Byrne,Gillian Callaghan
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
Page : 258 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2022-09-26
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781000655506

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Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences by David Byrne,Gillian Callaghan Pdf

This expanded and updated edition of Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: The State of the Art revisits the use of complexity theory across the social sciences and demonstrates how complexity informs approaches to various contemporary issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, widening social inequality, and impending social and ecological catastrophe wrought by global warming. The book reviews complexity theory in the practice of the social sciences and at their interface with ecological science. It outlines how social theory can be reconciled with complexity thinking and presents a review of the way research can be done using complexity theory. The book suggests how complexity theory can be used to understand and evaluate governance processes, particularly with regard to social inequality and the climate crisis. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also examined through a complexity lens, reviewing how complexity thinking has been employed in relation to the pandemic and how implementing a complexity framework can transform health and social care. The book concludes with a call to action and the use of complexity theory to inform critical thinking in the education system. This textbook will be immensely useful to students and researchers interested in social research methods, social theory, business and organization studies, health, education, urban studies, and development studies.

Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences

David S. Byrne
Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences Book PDF

Author : David S. Byrne
Publisher : Psychology Press
Page : 218 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 1998
Category : Science
ISBN : 0415162955

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Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences by David S. Byrne Pdf

This work introduces students to the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories. It discusses key concepts before using them as a way of investigating the nature of social research.

The Atlas of Social Complexity

Brian Castellani,Lasse Gerrits
The Atlas of Social Complexity Book PDF

Author : Brian Castellani,Lasse Gerrits
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
Page : 509 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2024-06-05
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 9781789909524

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The Atlas of Social Complexity by Brian Castellani,Lasse Gerrits Pdf

Embark on a riveting journey through the study of social complexity with The Atlas of Social Complexity. Over three decades of scientific exploration unfold, unravelling the enigmatic threads that compose the fabric of society. From the dance of bacteria, to human-machine interactions, to the ever-shifting dynamics of power in social networks, this Atlas maps the evolution of our understanding of social complexity.

Critical Realism, History, and Philosophy in the Social Sciences

Timothy Rutzou,George Steinmetz
Critical Realism History and Philosophy in the Social Sciences Book PDF

Author : Timothy Rutzou,George Steinmetz
Publisher : Emerald Group Publishing
Page : 184 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2018-08-09
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781787566033

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Critical Realism, History, and Philosophy in the Social Sciences by Timothy Rutzou,George Steinmetz Pdf

This volume examines the relationship between history, philosophy, and social science, and contributors explore questions concerning realism, ontology, causation, explanation, and values in order to address the question “what does a post-positivist social science look like?”

Complexity Science and World Affairs

Walter C. Clemens Jr.
Complexity Science and World Affairs Book PDF

Author : Walter C. Clemens Jr.
Publisher : State University of New York Press
Page : 292 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2013-11-18
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781438449036

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Complexity Science and World Affairs by Walter C. Clemens Jr. Pdf

Why did some countries transition peacefully from communist rule to political freedom and market economies, while others did not? Why did the United States enjoy a brief moment as the sole remaining superpower, and then lose power and influence across the board? What are the prospects for China, the main challenger to American hegemony? In Complexity Science and World Affairs, Walter C. Clemens Jr. demonstrates how the basic concepts of complexity science can broaden and deepen the insights gained by other approaches to the study of world affairs. He argues that societal fitness—the ability of a social system to cope with complex challenges and opportunities—hinges heavily on the values and way of life of each society, and serves to explain why some societies gain and others lose. Applying theory to several rich case studies, including political developments across post–Soviet Eurasia and the United States, Clemens shows that complexity science offers a powerful set of tools for advancing the study of international relations, comparative government, and, more broadly, the social sciences.

Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences

David Byrne
Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences Book PDF

Author : David Byrne
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 370 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2002-01-04
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781134714735

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Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences by David Byrne Pdf

Chaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences introduces students to the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories. It discusses key concepts before using them as a way of investigating the nature of social research. By applying them to such familiar topics as urban studies, education and health, David Byrne allows readers new to the subject to appreciate the contribution which complexity theory can make to social research and to illuminating the crucial social issues of our day.