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9 - Realism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 December 2020

By
Timothy Rutzou
Edited by
Peter Kivisto
Peter Kivisto
Affiliation:
Augustana College, Illinois
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Summary

Realism has garnered considerable attention as a philosophical position in the history of social theory, both from its supporters, and, more often, its detractors.This article examines the history and prevalence of realism in social science; identifies the consistent philosophical features and logic of realism vis-à-vis ontology, causation, and methodology; and discusses the challenges and limitations of realism as a positon when it comes to understanding complex social phenomena.

Abduction, causation, critical realism, ontology, realism

Timothy Rutzou studied under Roy Bhaskar, earning his Ph.D. in philosophy with a dissertation on the problem of structure and difference, in which he explored tie complex relationship between critical realism and post-structuralism. He works at the interaction of philosophy and sociology, studying questions of ontology and models of causation in social science. He currently holds a teaching position at Western Sydney University.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Social Theory , pp. 163 - 183
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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  • Realism
  • Edited by Peter Kivisto, Augustana College, Illinois
  • Book: The Cambridge Handbook of Social Theory
  • Online publication: 03 December 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316677452.010
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  • Realism
  • Edited by Peter Kivisto, Augustana College, Illinois
  • Book: The Cambridge Handbook of Social Theory
  • Online publication: 03 December 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316677452.010
Available formats
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  • Realism
  • Edited by Peter Kivisto, Augustana College, Illinois
  • Book: The Cambridge Handbook of Social Theory
  • Online publication: 03 December 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316677452.010
Available formats
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