The Search for a Methodology of Social Science

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Focusing on the evolution of social science in the nineteenth century, this study examines the quest for laws governing human behavior and the role of statistical inquiry. It delves into methodological debates involving figures like John Stuart Mill, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber, highlighting the tension between statistical sociology and causal explanations. By analyzing key works, including Durkheim's "Suicide" and Weber's "The Protestant Ethic," Turner reveals how historical discussions on causation and probability resonate with contemporary issues in social science.