Summary
Contents
Subject index
This book is designed for students of Politics and International Relations at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. It provides explanations of fifty core concepts in political research methods and, uniquely, explains how these methods can be used in International Relations. Where relevant, alternative research concepts and strategies are suggested. Each ‘concept’ will incorporate a simple definition, a focused explanation, an examination of key debates and areas of research, along with cross-references to other related concepts. This format allows students and researchers alike to utilise the text either as a companion to specific modules, or on a ‘dip into’ basis. Key Features: - Provides an overview of the place of each concept in Politics and International Relations under the headings: meaning, origins and current usage. - Concepts are grouped into sections corresponding to the main themes usually covered in teaching. - Relevant concepts in the book are emboldened and linked by listing at the end of each concept - Guidance is provided to further reading on each of the concepts discussed.
Post-positivism
Post-positivism
Post-positivism came out of the attempt in the 1960s by some scholars – Kuhn being one of the leading lights of the post-positivist revolution – to understand and reflect on the world around them, questioning and exploring issues, concepts and strategies that most saw as permanent features of politics, such as states have borders, governments rule the people.
Kuhn's understanding of science varied greatly from that of the positivists. Whereas they were interested in the analysis of knowledge, Kuhn focused on the historical development of the subject. Essentially, Kuhn was challenging the positivists’ analysis and its outcomes that were, in part, normative and prescriptive. So, whereas the positivists were only interested in the rationality of concepts, arguments and theories but not their empirical description, ...
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