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Response 1: Scientific Method in Social Policy Research Is Not a Lost Cause

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 July 2010

STEPHEN McKAY
STEPHEN McKAY*
Affiliation:
School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT email: s.d.mckay@bham.ac.uk
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Extract

In ‘Generalisation and phronesis’, Paul Spicker argues that the methodology of empirical research in social policy would be improved by drawing on Aristotle's concept of phronesis (φρόνησις) – which is generally translated as practical wisdom or prudence. He argues against versions of generalisation that rely on cause-and-effect, whether through deductive or inductive means. He maintains, however, that social policy research must still aim at making generalisations, for which he recommends the application of phronesis.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Social Policy , Volume 40 , Issue 1 , January 2011 , pp. 21 - 29
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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