The Quest for Knowledge in International Relations: How Do We Know?

Lebow critically evaluates the positivist and interpretivist epistemologies in international relations, identifying tensions and problems and suggesting possible responses. He explores the relationship between the foundations of theories and the empirical assumptions they encode, enabling readers to examine the different approaches to theory and their related research strategies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The study of international relations (IR) is greatly enriched by the theoretical framework provided by various epistemologies. These epistemologies offer different perspectives on how we can understand the world and how we can generate knowledge about it. In this essay, we will explore the meaning of theory in IR, the types of knowledge that theories seek to uncover, the methods by which they stipulate their findings, and the criteria by which we can evaluate any resulting knowledge claims.

The first epistemology we will consider is positivism. Positivism is a philosophical belief that knowledge can be obtained through empirical observation and experimentation. Positivists believe that the only source of knowledge is the physical world, and that human perceptions and interpretations of this world are subjective and unreliable. Positivists argue that scientific methods, such as the scientific method, can be used to generate objective knowledge about the world.

The second epistemology we will consider is interpretivism. Interpretivism is a philosophical belief that knowledge is constructed through the interpretation of social phenomena. Interpretivists argue that human perceptions and interpretations of the world are shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors. Interpretivists believe that knowledge is not objective, but rather is subjective and contextual.

The third epistemology we will consider is critical realism. Critical realism is a philosophical belief that knowledge can be obtained through a combination of empirical observation and theoretical analysis. Critical realists believe that the physical world is objective, but that human perceptions and interpretations of this world are influenced by social, cultural, and historical factors. Critical realists argue that scientific methods can be used to generate objective knowledge about the world, but that these methods must be combined with a critical analysis of social phenomena.

One of the key tensions between positivism and interpretivism is the question of whether knowledge can be objective. Positivists argue that knowledge can be objective because it can be obtained through empirical observation and experimentation. Interpretivists argue that knowledge cannot be objective because it is constructed through the interpretation of social phenomena.

Another key tension between positivism and interpretivism is the question of whether knowledge can be universal. Positivists argue that knowledge can be universal because it can be obtained through empirical observation and experimentation. Interpretivists argue that knowledge cannot be universal because it is constructed through the interpretation of social phenomena, which are influenced by cultural, social, and historical factors.

A third key tension between positivism and interpretivism is the question of whether knowledge can be value-free. Positivists argue that knowledge can be value-free because it can be obtained through empirical observation and experimentation. Interpretivists argue that knowledge cannot be value-free because it is constructed through the interpretation of social phenomena, which are influenced by cultural, social, and historical factors.

Despite these tensions, positivism and interpretivism share some common assumptions. Both epistemologies assume that the physical world is objective and that human perceptions and interpretations of this world are subjective and unreliable. Both epistemologies also assume that scientific methods can be used to generate objective knowledge about the world.

In conclusion, the study of international relations is greatly enriched by the theoretical framework provided by various epistemologies. Positivism, interpretivism, and critical realism offer different perspectives on how we can understand the world and how we can generate knowledge about it. By exploring the relationship between the foundations of theories and the empirical assumptions they encode, Lebow's analysis enables readers to examine in greater depth the different approaches to theory and their related research strategies. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of international relations theory and philosophy of social science.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 167 x 227 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009102919
Edition number: New ed