Philosophers and social scientists share a common goal: to explore fundamental truths about ourselves and the nature of the world in which we live. But in what ways do these two distinct disciplines inform each other and arrive at these truths? This third revised edition of this highly regarded text directly responds to such issues as it introduces students to the philosophy of social science. This classic text has been brought up to date with a new introduction and commentaries reflecting on the original chapters in the context of more recent developments. Two brand new chapters discuss critical social science and one of the most pressing issues concerning social scientists today - how we interrogate human society's complex relationship with nature and its impact on biodiversity and climate change. The book: - Clearly introduces the theoretical underpinnings of social science, assuming no prior knowledge - Addresses critical issues relating to the nature of social science -