Philosophy of Social Science in IR

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Questions and Answers

How does critical theory perceive positivism in the context of social science?

As the only legitimate type of knowledge

As solely male-centered in approach

As an inferior form of knowledge

As a valid philosophy with limited boundaries (correct)

What is one focus of feminist critiques within the social sciences?

The promotion of only subjective knowledge

The exclusivity of quantitative research methods

The rejection of all forms of knowledge construction

The male-centered assumptions in scientific inquiry (correct)

Which approach combines elements of positivism while aiming for greater emancipatory potential?

Positivism

Postmodernism

Hermeneutics

Critical theory (correct)

Post-structuralism critiques which aspect of social science?

Structuralism's pursuit of objective social science Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges faced by the discipline regarding postmodernism and post-structuralism?

An inability to define both terms accurately Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes how Andrew Linklater views positivist-informed research?

It is valid but limits the scope of research. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about critical theory's stance on positivism?

It completely rejects positivist knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is often a challenge in the feminist approach to social science research?

Establishing universally accepted standards of inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'theoretical fragmentation' refer to in the field discussed?

A lack of consensus among various theoretical approaches. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is noted as dominating many major journals?

Positivist mainstream Signup and view all the answers

What framework is largely accepted within the positivist approach?

Lakatosian framework Signup and view all the answers

What has scientific realism argued for in the realm of research?

To place ontology at the forefront of research. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the positivist mainstream pose to ontological discussions?

They view it as a largely metaphysical concern. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the shift towards studying 'practices and problematic situations'?

Practice turn Signup and view all the answers

What does structuralism primarily focus on in social practices?

Structural modalities and organizing principles Signup and view all the answers

Which theorists are associated with the advocacy of 'relationalism'?

Jackson and Nexon Signup and view all the answers

How does post-structuralism differ from structuralism?

It denies the existence of a clear logic to structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critique against Waltz's structural realism?

It does not incorporate structuralist meta-theory. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophy attempts to sidestep issues of whether theoretical terms refer to anything real?

Pragmatism Signup and view all the answers

According to post-structuralists, what is the nature of social outcomes?

Indeterminate products of social structures. Signup and view all the answers

What do all claims to scientific objectivity ultimately represent, according to the text?

Social practices imposing order through power. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is central to postmodernism as it relates to post-structuralism?

Critique of established reason and reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'structural indeterminacy' in post-structuralism?

There is no single underlying logic governing structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme across postmodern critiques?

Skepticism towards traditional narratives of reason. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'post-positivist' primarily signify?

A rethinking of scientific principles based on new philosophical insights Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is explicitly opposed by post-positivism?

The principles of positivism Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a significant misunderstanding of positivism in the text?

It is considered a simplistic philosophy of science Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental conflict presented in the relationship between scientific realism and positivism?

They differ fundamentally in their epistemological commitments Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about positivism could destabilize its application in the discipline?

The tendency to equate it with realism Signup and view all the answers

Who is noted for arguing that positivism is an antirealist philosophy?

Hollis Signup and view all the answers

What problem arises from the confusion surrounding the meaning of positivism?

Challenges in employing a clear scientific methodology Signup and view all the answers

What does Nicholson suggest about the ongoing use of the term positivism in the discipline?

It has become irrelevant and should be discarded Signup and view all the answers

Who argued that their framework for political science was informed by logical positivist philosophy of science?

Harold Lasswell and Abraham Kaplan Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon did David Easton associate with the acceptance of the philosophy of science in social inquiry?

A takeoff phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

Why is behavioralism characterized as an attempt to implement a particular philosophy of science?

Due to its alignment with positivism Signup and view all the answers

What complication arises regarding the rejection of positivism in contemporary discussions?

No consensus exists on the definition of positivism Signup and view all the answers

What did the philosophy of science soon claim regarding positivism?

Scientific practices did not conform to the positivist model Signup and view all the answers

What does Hollis and Smith claim about Morgenthau's version of realism?

It relies on identifying underlying forces to analyze behavior Signup and view all the answers

What did the emergence of behavioralism in the discipline highlight?

The varied interpretations of the scientific method Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best summarizes the legacy of positivism in political science?

It became synonymous with the concept of science in the discipline. Signup and view all the answers

Which author discussed the socially constructed nature of the social world?

Waltz Signup and view all the answers

Why is the label 'constructivist' considered problematic in relation to Waltz?

Few constructivists would accept Waltz as one of their own. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following texts is NOT listed in the references?

The Social Construction of Reality Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic that many constructivists share?

Acceptance of the social world as socially constructed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common focus among authors discussing international relations?

The impact of social constructs on international relations. Signup and view all the answers

In what publication did Richard K. Ashley and Robert B.J. Walker discuss sovereignty?

International Studies Quarterly Signup and view all the answers

Which argument is made by a critic of the constructivist perspective?

Constructivism ignores material factors in international relations. Signup and view all the answers

Who critiqued the use of Thucydides in International Relations?

Laurie M. Johnson Bagby Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A key question for social science disciplines is their scientific status.
International Relations (IR) aims to be a science, its defining goal.
IR¹ developments show a continuing attempt to establish scientific credentials for its knowledge claims.
Disagreement exists within IR about the value and appropriateness of labeling it a science.
Debates about the nature of science and IR's place within it are prominent.
The "agent-structure problem" details the relationship between agents and their structural context, a significant concern. This complex interplay is relevant to many theoretical aspects of IR.
The role of philosophy of science in IR is not self-evident.
The problem of "naturalism" is central to the philosophy of social science, defining its focus.
The suitability of applying scientific methods to social phenomena in IR is contentious.
The nature of explanation, causation, and laws are core issues.

Legitimation of IR

The usefulness of examining the philosophy of social science in IR is not immediately clear.
There are concerns about the discipline's intellectual resources.
Some prefer to leave philosophical speculation to other disciplines, like philosophy itself.
Doubts persist regarding philosophy's role.
This skepticism stems from a belief that such inquiries neglect more substantive methods of knowledge production.

Early IR: A Science with No Philosophy

Science was not always a problematic concept in IR.
Early practitioners generally accepted IR's status as a science.
Debates exist on whether Thucydides's analysis can be considered scientific or focused on political prudence.
Interwar idealism emphasized science's role in progress
Some criticize early IR for not explicitly modeling itself after the natural sciences.
Some early analyses focused on technical aspects of international law.

Contemporary IR: Philosophy, Beginning, and End

Turns to philosophy of science and social science are important
Keohane's work was a turning point.
There was a move away from positivism and toward other forms of philosophy.
Multiple, contrasting approaches emerged.
Attempts to characterize these approaches - rationalist, reflectivist, for example, faced challenges.
Debates around social constructionism and other non-positivist approaches to social science gained prominence.
The material/ideational divide emphasizes two different perspectives in IR.

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Description

This quiz explores the intersection of philosophy and international relations, focusing on the scientific status of social sciences. It delves into key debates such as the agent-structure problem and the appropriateness of applying scientific methods to social phenomena. Engage with the core issues surrounding the nature of explanation, causation, and the role of science in understanding international relations.