Description

Discomfort with traditional empirical methods and the quest for cumulative knowledge of human action has become widespread. The recognition of theoretical and methodological inadequacies has sparked a search for a more robust conception of human science. Now, in Toward Transformation in Social Knowledge, Kenneth J. Gergen develops the ground for a view of human science as social construction. Demonstrating that descriptions of human action can neither be based in--nor corrected by--scientific observation, he provides a bold challenge to traditional views, and clears the way for new alternatives in scientific practice. This second edition contains a new introduction showing the place of this work within those movements which have taken place since it was first published nearly a decade ago. Interdisciplinary in its approach, this book will be essential reading for psychologists, sociologists, and others who seek a fresh understanding of our concept of social knowledge.