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This 1989 book is intended as an introductory survey of the philosophy of the social sciences. It is essentially a work of exposition which offers a toolbox of mechanisms - nuts and bolts, cogs and wheels - that can be used to explain complex social phenomena. Within a brief compass, Jon Elster covers a vast range of topics. His point of departure is the conflict we all face between our desires and our opportunities. How can rational choice theory help us understand our motivation and behaviour? More significantly, what happens when the theory breaks down but we still cleave to a belief in the power of the rational? Elster describes the fascinating range of forms of irrationality - wishful thinking, the phenomenon of sour grapes, discounting the future in noncooperative behaviour. This is a remarkably lucid and comprehensive introduction to the social sciences for students of political science, philosophy, sociology and economics

"The Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a state-of-the-art survey informed by the very latest theory and research. It spans 15 substantive areas, including criminal law, courts and adjudication, juvenile justice, history of criminology and criminal justice, law enforcement and policing, victimization, and theories of crime; and draws on developments in fields ranging from homeland security and forensic science, though to transnational crime. Written in an accessible style, it provides its readers with a unique organizational system to allow sophisticated searching and cross-referencing by keyword, topic or alphabetical order. Edited by the leading authority in this field, and peer reviewed by a team of 14 associate editors, the encyclopedia brings together a global team of contributers from 10 countries to offer a uniquely international perspective." -- BACK COVER

This far-sighted volume describes emerging trends and challenges in university-level social sciences education in an era marked by globalization, austerity, and inequity. It spotlights solution-focused and interdisciplinary methods of teaching, developed to match influential academic ideas, such as self-directed learning and learning in communities, as students seek to engage with and improve conditions in their immediate environments. Chapters offer real-world applications of foundational concepts in the modern practice of teaching, learning, and curriculum development. Accordingly, the editors emphasize the relationship between pedagogy and curriculum, as both are critical in encouraging student autonomy and promoting optimum academic and societal outcomes. Included in the coverage: · Towards a concept of solution-focused teaching: learning in communities. · Heutagogy and the emerging curriculum. · Collaborative working in the statutory and voluntary sectors. · Delivering a community development curriculum to students with multiple identities. · Photography and teaching in community development. · A model for change: sharing ideas and strategies. The Pedagogy of the Social Sciences Curriculum will inspire sociologists, social workers, and health and sociology educators to take a deeper role in community well-being as students, faculty, and communities collaborate to make lasting contributions to society

Given the nature of the issues and the role played by knowledge, ancient tribal chiefs could no longer make decisions alone, so they surrounded themselves with advisers. The group decisions they took presaged the methods of modern government. Examines these collective decision making processes based on knowledge, from their earliest usage to the present day. (RSM)