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A Science of Human Social Life? Present State, Future Prospects

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Beyond the Knowledge Crisis

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies on Norbert Elias ((PSNE))

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Abstract

In contrast with the widely shared conviction that the natural sciences are useful for understanding and dealing with problems of a biophysical nature, there is far less confidence in the social sciences’ ability to help prevent or mitigate human social problems. Exploring why, this chapter examines obstacles to comparable advancements in the social sciences, especially within sociology. The most important step to overcoming these obstacles, it argues, is to situate human social life within its biophysical contexts. As an added benefit, doing so suggests a more adequate structure for the social sciences, one based firmly in reality.

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  1. Environmental Studies, Hiram College, Hiram, OH, USA

    Debbie Kasper

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Kasper, D. (2021). A Science of Human Social Life? Present State, Future Prospects. In: Beyond the Knowledge Crisis. Palgrave Studies on Norbert Elias. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48370-8_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48370-8_3

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