Complex realism in social research

Why Critical Realism Fails to Justify Critical Social Research 1

Many social scientists have argued that research should be designed to perform a ‘critical’ function, in the sense of challenging the socio-political status quo. However, very often, the relationship between the political value judgements underpinning this commitment and the values intrinsic to inquiry, as a distinct form of activity has been left obscure. Furthermore, the validity of those jud...

Realism and Social Science

Reconciling Social Constructivism and Realism in GIS

An epistemological and discursive divide separates critics of GIS and its researchers. An assumption exists among many users and developers of GIS that the technology models reality and can thus be used to predict and explain spatial processes. This realist position is not sanctioned by social science critics of GIS who have focused efforts on illustrating the social effects of technology as we...

Realism in Economics : Critical or Complex ?

For Truth and Realism in Management Research

Is truth a research goal and regulative ideal that is appropriate for management research? Is realism an appropriate philosophical foundation for management research? This article answers in the affirmative on both of these questions by (a) using historical method to develop the four fundamental tenets of scientific realism, (b) using the historical material to show how some management writers ...