HPSC2022 Philosophy of Social Science -- STS UCL -- Tobin

What is the method of social science (e.g. anthropology, economics, sociology, psychology etc.)? Do all social sciences use the same scientific method and how does this compare to natural science? Should we even aspire to using the so called scientific method for investigating the social world, given its shortcomings in the value laden social sphere? Is there a compromise or must we renege on objectivity when faced with inquiry into the social world? These questions will be examined against the background of general topics in the philosophy of the social sciences including the explanation and interpretation of action; naturalist and hermeneutic social theory; reductionism and methodological individualism; rational choice theory and relativism. More general topics in philosophy of science, such as theories of scientific explanation, causation and laws will also be discussed in relation to social science. Dr Emma Tobin. September 2012. This is a module offered by UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies. For more information visit www.ucl.ac.uk/sts

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