Summary
Contents
“This is a splendid book, providing a readable and reliable guide to a very large range of topics and literature... the author brings together, as few of us can, the details of research methodology and practice with broader philosophical perspectives and approaches.” - William Outhwaite, Emeritus Professor, Newcastle University “We need researchers who are philosophically informed rather than philosophically obsessed or philosophically oppressed. With this book Malcolm Williams strikes the exact balance.” - Ray Pawson, Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds This book is an ideal introduction for any student or social researcher hoping to better understand the philosophical issues that inform social research. Williams is the perfect guide providing short focused introductions to key concepts alongside a persuasive and engaging overview of how we interpret and conduct research. The book covers everything from core research methods, to ethical concerns and an exploration of the metaphysics of social life, with each entry providing: • Clear definitions • Engaging real world examples • Up-do-date suggestions for further reading • Informative cross-referencing • Lists of key thinkers. Relevant and authoritative, this book is an indispensable introduction to the philosophy of social research.
Rationality
Rationality
Rationality is the actions, thoughts or organisational patterns that accrue the maximum benefit for the minimum expenditure of resources. Yet what counts as benefit or expenditure is socially situated. For example capitalist societies privilege economic rationality and this may serve as a pattern for all decision making. In other kinds of societies rationality may be expressed through other domains, such as ritual or religion. A major question is, therefore, is rationality universal or societally specific?
I begin by asking the question, what does it mean to act rationally within our everyday lives? Weber’s forms of rationality are then examined. I then go on to discuss the issue of beliefs and desires and the attempt to produce a definition of rationality that unites actions, beliefs ...