The Conduct Of Inquiry In International Relations: Philosophy Of Science And Its Implications For The Study Of World Politics (new International Relations)

This volume ws the winner of The International Studies Association Theory Section Book Award 2013, presented by the International Studies Association and The Yale H. Ferguson Award 2012, presented by International Studies Association-Northeast. There are many different scientifically valid ways to produce knowledge. The field of International Relations should pay closer attention to these methodological differences, and to their implications for concrete research on world politics. The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations provides an introduction to the philosophy of science issues and their implications for the study of global politics. The author draws attention to the problems caused by the misleading notion of a single unified scientific method, and proposes a framework that clarifies the variety of ways that IR scholars establish the authority and validity of their empirical claims. Jackson connects philosophical considerations with concrete issues of research design within neopositivist, critical realist, analyticist, and reflexive approaches to the study of world politics. Envisioning a pluralist science for a global IR field, this volume organizes the significant differences between methodological stances so as to promote internal consistency, public discussion, and worldly insight as the hallmarks of any scientific study of world politics. This important volume will be essential reading for all students and scholars of International Relations, Political Science and Philosophy of Science.

There are many different scientifically valid ways to produce knowledge. The field of International Relations should pay closer attention to these methodological differences, and to their implications for concrete research on world politics.

The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations provides an introduction to the philosophy of science issues and their implications for the study of global politics. The author draws attention to the problems caused by the misleading notion of a single unified scientific method, and proposes a framework that clarifies the variety of ways that IR scholars establish the authority and validity of their empirical claims. Jackson connects philosophical considerations with concrete issues of research design within neopositivist, critical realist, analyticist, and reflexive approaches to the study of world politics. Envisioning a pluralist science for a global IR field, this volume organizes the significant differences between methodological stances so as to promote internal consistency, public discussion, and worldly insight as the hallmarks of any scientific study of world politics.

This important volume will be essential reading for all students and scholars of International Relations, Political Science and Philosophy of Science.

"In this vigorously argued, incisive and important book, Patrick Jackson liberates us from the misplaced polarity between `hard scientific' and `soft, interpretive' approaches that has bedeviled international relations scholarship for half a century. Neither approach has any grounding among philosophers of science with their insistence on the irreducibly pluralist nature of science. The immense value of this book is its accessibility and the intimate connections it builds between theories of international relations and their philosophical foundations - or lack thereof Neo-positivist, reflexivist, critical realist and analytical stances can now engage in ecumenical dialogue rather than shouting matches or with silent scorn If you are accustomed to worship only in your favorite chapel, here is an invitation to visit a magnificent cathedral Graduate field seminars in international relations now have access to a first-rate text" "--Book jacket ""The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations outlines a constructive and convincing path for getting beyond unproductive debates about the relative merits of the various methodologies that inform R. Calling for a post foundational IR that rest on a more expansive definition of science than that which is conventionally accepted by the field, Patrick Jackson makes a compelling case for an engaged pluralism that is respectful of the different philosophical groundings that inform a variety of equally valid scientific traditions, each of which can usefully contribute to a more comprehensive and informed understanding of world politics." J. Ann Tickner, School of International Relations, University of Southern California "This is a book that will have a deep and lasting impact on the field It displays impressive and sophisticated scholarship, but lightly worn and presented in an engaging manner, student-friendly but never patronising or afraid to challenge the reader I know no better account of the various ways by which one can study IR scientifically and I am confident that this is a text that will be very widely adopted." Chris Brown, Professor of International Relations London School of Economics Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 8 Copyright......Page 9 Contents......Page 12 Series editor’s preface......Page 13 1 Playing with fire......Page 16 2 Philosophical wagers......Page 39 3 Neopositivism......Page 56 4 Critical realism......Page 87 5 Analyticism......Page 127 6 Reflexivity......Page 171 7 A pluralist science of IR......Page 203 Acknowledgments......Page 228 Notes......Page 232 Bibliography......Page 254 Index......Page 274 There are different scientifically valid ways to produce knowledge. The field of International Relations should pay attention to these methodological differences, and to their implications for research on world politics. This book offers an introduction to the philosophy of science issues and their implications for the study of global politics Humanities Book Cover 1 Title 8 Copyright 9 Contents 12 Series editor’s preface 13 1 Playing with fire 16 2 Philosophical wagers 39 3 Neopositivism 56 4 Critical realism 87 5 Analyticism 127 6 Reflexivity 171 7 A pluralist science of IR 203 Acknowledgments 228 Notes 232 Bibliography 254 Index 274 Establishing the importance of the philosophy of science in IR scholarship and presuming no philosophical background, this text is written for politics and IR scholars to provide a thorough introduction to the variety of philosophical positions available "Neatly framed, balanced, informed, lucid and, yes, important, this is the rare book I wish I had written myself. Not that I could have done it nearly as well." Nick Onuf, Professor Emeritus, Florida International University Patrick Thaddeus Jackson. Ncludes Bibliographical References (p. [239]-258) And Index.