Instrumental Reasoning and Systems Methodology: An Epistemology of the Applied and Social Sciences

In: Theory and Decision Library, An International Series in the Philosophy and Methodology of the Social and Behavioral Sciences 15

In: Theory and Decision Library 15

Abstract

1 Introduction -- 1.1 Do Scientists Need Epistemology? -- 1.2 Towards a Philosophy of Applied Science -- 1.3 Management Science and the Philosophy of Applied Science -- 1.4 Conclusion -- 2 Systems Analysis as a Tool of Philosophical Investigation -- 2.1 In Need of an Expanded Analytical Superstructure -- 2.2 The Essence of the Systems Approach -- 2.3 Incorporating and Externalizing Value Judgements -- 2.4 The Method of Neutralizing Systems -- 2.5 Management Science as a System: Normative or Positive? -- 2.6 Reduction of Value Judgements -- 2.7 Institutionalized Facts as Values -- 2.8 Institutions as Systems -- 3 Philosophy and Evolution of Logic from a Systems Point of View -- 3.1 Some Ontological Considerations -- 3.2 On the Nature of Logic -- 3.3 Historical Development of Modern Logic -- 3.4 Some Highlights in the Evolution of Semantics -- 4 Modern Deductive Logic -- 4.1 Sentence Logic or the Theory of Truth Functions -- 4.2 Predicate Logic -- 4.3 Multivalued and Modal Logic -- 4.4 Imperative Arguments and Deontic Modalities -- 5 The Controversy Around Inductive Logic -- 5.1 Essence and Early Evolution of Induction -- 5.2 Modern Views on Induction -- 5.3 Probability and Its Interpretation -- 5.4 Conclusion -- 6 Decision Theory and the Economists' Methodological Endeavors -- 6.1 An Appraisal of Carnap's Inductive Logic -- 6.2 Formal Decision Theory and Its Evolution -- 6.3 Information Economics as an Extension of Decision Theory -- 6.4 Episterno-Economics -- 6.5 Other Methodological Explorations by Economists -- 7 Philosophy of Science and the Systems Approach -- 7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Epistemology: The Received View -- 7.3 Reaction and Alternatives -- 7.4 The Systems Approach, Its Criticism, and Its Potential -- 7.5 Systems Approach as a Methodology -- Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Indices -- Some Journals of Philosophy, Applied and Social Sciences -- Index of Names -- Index of Subjects.