Ontology Etc.: Readings from Roy Bhaskar's philosophy of critical realism

This book is a collection of essays by Roy Bhaskar, the founder of critical realism, covering key topics such as the philosophy of science, social science, ideology critique, and dialectic and metareality. It is an essential introduction to Bhaskar's philosophy, providing detailed explanations of his concepts and theories and offering valuable insights for students and scholars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a significant compilation of essays by Roy Bhaskar, the esteemed founder and pioneer of critical realism. Comprising various sections such as the philosophy of science, philosophy of social science, ideology critique, dialectic, and metareality, it serves as an indispensable introduction to this influential philosophical school. In addition to presenting some of Bhaskar's most profound and thought-provoking discussions on these subjects, it also includes comprehensive introductions to each section, designed to elucidate some of Bhaskar's central concepts and theories. Consequently, this book is an essential resource for students and scholars seeking to delve deeper into Bhaskar's seminal works and philosophy.

Introduction:
Roy Bhaskar is a renowned philosopher whose contributions to critical realism have had a profound impact on the field of philosophy. His work is widely respected and studied, and this book serves as a valuable collection of his most important essays.
Sections:
The book is organized into several sections, each addressing different aspects of critical realism. These sections include:

• Philosophy of science: Bhaskar's philosophy of science explores the nature of scientific knowledge and the methods used to acquire it. He argues that scientific knowledge is not absolute but is always subject to revision and refinement. He also emphasizes the importance of realism in scientific inquiry, which involves adopting a perspective that is consistent with the empirical evidence available.
  
• Philosophy of social science: Bhaskar's philosophy of social science examines the nature of social reality and the processes that shape it. He argues that social reality is not a static entity but is constantly evolving and changing due to the interactions between individuals and social structures. He also emphasizes the importance of ideology critique in social science, which involves examining the underlying assumptions and beliefs that shape social phenomena.
  
• Ideology critique: Bhaskar's ideology critique explores the nature of ideology and its role in shaping social and political phenomena. He argues that ideology is not a neutral or objective tool but is a powerful force that shapes the way individuals perceive and interpret the world. He also emphasizes the importance of dialectic in ideology critique, which involves engaging in a constructive dialogue with opposing ideologies in order to promote understanding and progress.
  
• Dialectic: Bhaskar's dialectic explores the nature of dialogue and its role in promoting understanding and progress. He argues that dialogue is not a one-way process but is a two-way exchange that involves the exchange of ideas and perspectives. He also emphasizes the importance of metareality in dialogue, which involves recognizing the inherent limitations of our own perspectives and seeking to transcend them through dialogue.
  
• Metareality: Bhaskar's metareality explores the nature of reality and the relationship between different levels of reality. He argues that reality is not a singular entity but is composed of multiple levels, each with its own set of properties and relationships. He also emphasizes the importance of reflexivity in metareality, which involves recognizing the inherent limitations of our own perspectives and seeking to transcend them through self-reflection and critical inquiry.
  

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book is an essential resource for students and scholars interested in gaining a deeper understanding of critical realism. Roy Bhaskar's essays are insightful, thought-provoking, and relevant to contemporary philosophical debates. By exploring the nature of science, social science, ideology critique, dialectic, and metareality, Bhaskar offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on these important subjects. This book is sure to inspire and engage readers for years to come.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138208063