This work offers a comprehensive exploration of the philosophy underlying social science, presented by a respected author in the field. It delves into fundamental questions about the nature of social phenomena, the methods used to study them, and the implications of various philosophical perspectives. Readers can expect to engage with critical concepts that shape the understanding of social research and its significance in interpreting human behavior and societal structures.
Focusing on human action and identity, this influential work by Martin Hollis presents a rationalist perspective that delves into the complexities of how individuals make choices and define themselves. Through thoughtful analysis, it examines the interplay between personal agency and social context, offering insights that challenge conventional notions of behavior and identity. Hollis's exploration invites readers to reconsider the foundations of rational thought in understanding human experiences.
Are there absolute truths that can be gradually approached over time through rational processes? Or are all modes and systems of thought equally valid if viewed from within their own internally consistent frames of reference? Are there universal forms of reasoning and understanding that enable us to distinguish between rational beliefs and those that are demonstrably false, or is everything relative? These central questions are addressed and debated by the distinguished contributors to this lively book. Some of them - Hollis, Lukes, Robin Horton, and Ernest Gellner - discuss new directions in their thinking since their earlier articles appeared in 1970 in the seminal volume Rationality (edited by Bryan Wilson). They are now joined in the debate by Ian Hacking, W. Newton-Smith, Charles Taylor, Jon Elster, Dan Sperber, and, in the jointly authored lead article, by Barry Barnes and David Bloor. Emerging from the debate are a variety of supportable interpretations and conclusions rather than a single, distinct "truth." The contributors represent the complete spectrum of positions between a relativism that challenges the very concept of a single world and the idea that there are ascertainable, objective universals.
Je možné vysvětlit procesy, které probíhají v mezinárodní politice systémově, nebo je třeba pochopit jejich skrytý vnitřní smysl? Filozof Martin Hollis a odborník v oblasti mezinárodních vztahů Steve Smith v této knize spojují své síly, aby analyzovali dominantní teorie mezinárodních vztahů a zkoumali filozofické problémy, které tvoří jejich podstatu.
Nové a upravené vydání klasického úvodu do filosofie z pera Martina Hollise provádí čtenáře odvěkými filosofickými otázkami, jako je problém svobodné vůle a lidské přirozenosti, zdání a skutečnosti, rozumu a zkušenosti, stejně jako otázkami novějšími, které se týkají racionality a morality nebo vztahu mezi světem lidským a světem přírody. Díky bohatým příkladům z myšlení Platóna, Descarta, Huma, Kanta, ale i T. S. Eliota nebo Sherlocka Holmese, autor podává velice plastický obraz o filosofii, jenž může být znamenitým výchozím bodem pro studenty anebo vůbec pro každého, kdo se s filosofií setkává poprvé. (Kosmas)
