Let's get real: developing realist approaches within the philosophy of social science

Abstract

It is argued that the philosophical approach of ‘critical realism’ is of considerable importance in providing a framework to guide the development of useful social science analyses, but that its impact is limited by its poor ‘public relations’ and lack of engagement with ongoing social analyses. There are several major issues which critical realism has not adequately tackled. These are identified and possible routes for overcoming these indicated. The whole essay is set within a particular viewpoint on the relationship between social theory and the philosophy of social science.