Cultures of Inquiry: From Epistemology to Discourse in Sociohistorical Research

by John R. Hall

Overview

Cultures of Inquiry provides a unique overview of research methodologies in social science, historical and cultural studies. John R. Hall describes eight interconnected methodologies that transcend present-day disciplinary and interdisciplinary boundaries. In this way, he is able to move beyond the objectivism/relativism debate in the philosophy and sociology of knowledge by showing how alternative research practices are formed. His book connects concrete methodological issues of research to contemporary philosophical and postmodern debates about knowledge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521659888
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/28/1999
Series:	Contemporary Japanese Society Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	330
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.87(d)
Lexile:	1560L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

Prologue; 1. Introduction; Part I. Formative Discourses: 2. Value discourse and the object of inquiry; 3. Narrative cultures and inquiry; 4. The conceptual possibilities of social theoretical discourse; 5. The core of explanation and interpretation as formative discourse; Part II. Practices of Inquiry: 6. Discursive hybrids of practice: an introductory schema; 7. Generalizing practices of inquiry; 8. Particularizing practices of inquiry; 9. The prospects of inquiry.

Editorial Reviews

"...an illuminating and useful review." American Journal of Sociology

"...valuable exploration of modes of sociohistorical research or inquiry... Halls' presentation is rigorous and thorough." Stephen M. Feldman, Contemporary Sociology

From the Publisher