The Idea of a Social Science: And Its Relations to Philosophy

by Peter Winch

Book Overview

In the fiftieth anniversary of this book's first release, Winch's argument remains as crucial as ever. Originally published in 1958, The Idea of a Social Science and Its Relation to Philosophy was a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: B000H0O56I
• Release Date: January 1963
• Publisher: Routledge & Kegan Paul / Princeton Univ. Press
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Persuasive and amusing

I must declare a bias; as a scientist and an analytic philosopher by training, and now a teacher in those two areas by profession, I have always been skeptical about the "social sciences." I have no doubt that they perform a necessary role and can provide great insights into human situations; but using the word 'science' raises certain misplaced expectations. Winch's monograph argues precisely this position with style and verve, holding that social concerns are properly related more to philosophy than the Natural Sciences. (Of course they may use scientific methods, but that is a different matter.) There are many historical examples, and a thoughtful introduction slightly modifying some of the polemical excesses. A thoroughly entertaining afternoon's reading!