The Nature of Social Reality: Issues in Social Ontology / Edition 1

9780367188931, 2019. Paperback. Good. The social sciences often fail to examine in any systematic way the nature of their subject matter. Demonstrating that this is a central explanation o f the widely acknowledged failings of the social sciences, not least of mod ern economics, this book sets about rectifying matters. Providing an account of the nature of social material in general, as well a s of the specific natures of central components of the modern world, such a s money and the corporation, Lawson also considers the implications of this theory regarding possibilities for social change. Readers will gain an und erstanding of how social phenomena, from tables and chairs, to money and fi rms, and nurses and Presidents are constituted. Fundamental to Lawson's con ception is a theory of community-based social positioning, whereby people a nd things within a community become constituted as components of emergent t otalities, with actions governed by the rights and obligations of relevant members of the community. This theory isolates a set of basic principles th at will offer the reader an understanding of the natures of all social phen omena. The Nature of Social Reality is for all those, academics and non-academics alike, who wish to gain a grasp on the nature of social phenomena that goes beyond the superficial. Editorial Reviews "If modern economics and philosophy are largely neglectful of ontology, the y are especially so of social ontology. Tony Lawson's impressive body of wo rk is an exception to this, as is this strongly recommended book." John B. Davis, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Marquette University and University of Amsterdam "Society needs innovat.