Originally published in 1980, this book examines the major issues in the philosophy of social science, paying specific attention to cross-cultural understanding, humanism versus scientism, individualism versus collectivism, and the shaping of theory by evaluative commitment. Arguing for a cross-cultural conception of human beings, the authors defend humanism and individualism, and reject the notion that social inquiry is necessarily vitiated by an adherence to values.

Graham MacDonald, Philip Pettit

1. Cross-cultural Understanding 2. The Understanding of Individuals: Humanism Versus Scientism 3. The Understanding of Institutions: Individualism Versus Collectivism 4. Truth and Value