Rules, Magic and Instrumental Reason: A Critical Interpretation of Peter Winch's Philosophy of the Social Sciences (Routledge Studies in Twentieth-Century Philosophy)

This book offers a systematic and critical discussion of Peter Winch's writings on the philosophy of the social sciences. The author points to Winch's tendency to over-emphasize the importance of language and communication, and his insufficient attention to the role of practical, technological activites in human life and society. It also offers an appendix devoted to the controversy between the anthropologists Marshall Sahlins and Gananath Obeyesekere regarding Captain James Cook's Hawaiian adventures. Essential reading for those studying the development of philosophy in the twentieth century, this book will also be of great interest to anthropologists, sociologists, scholars of religion, and all those with an interest in the relationship between philosophy and the social sciences. Peter Winch's book The Idea of a Social Science and its Relation to Philosophy and essay "Understanding a primitive society" (hereafter, 1SS and UPS, respectively) have had a profound impact on how philosophers and social scientists view the study of human behavior and society. Berel Dov Lerner. Simultaneously Published In The Usa And Canada. Based Upon The Author's Thesis (doctoral--tel-aviv University) Includes Bibliographical References (p. [160]-170) And Index.