Agents, Structures and International Relations: Politics as OntologyCambridge University Press, 12 oct. 2006 - 340 pages The agent-structure problem is a much discussed issue in the field of international relations. In his comprehensive 2006 analysis of this problem, Colin Wight deconstructs the accounts of structure and agency embedded within differing IR theories and, on the basis of this analysis, explores the implications of ontology - the metaphysical study of existence and reality. Wight argues that there are many gaps in IR theory that can only be understood by focusing on the ontological differences that construct the theoretical landscape. By integrating the treatment of the agent-structure problem in IR theory with that in social theory, Wight makes a positive contribution to the problem as an issue of concern to the wider human sciences. At the most fundamental level politics is concerned with competing visions of how the world is and how it should be, thus politics is ontology. |
Table des matières
a science without positivism? | 14 |
from social theory | 62 |
Structure | 121 |
Droits d'auteur | |
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Expressions et termes fréquents
accept account of structure activity actors agency agent-structure problem agents and structures Alexander Wendt analysis and/or approach argues argument Ashley attempt behaviour beliefs Bhaskar Carlsnaes causal causal power claim commitment complex concepts conceptualisation concerned constitute context Dessler differing distinction Durkheim effect elements embedded emergent empiricism entities epistemological example exist explain Giddens Hence hermeneutic Hollis and Smith human ical ideas important individualist individuals inquiry interactions International Relations issue knowledge logical material means mechanisms methodological methodological individualism nature neorealism notion objects ontological Onuf organisations outcomes particular phenomena philosophical position positivism positivist possible poststructuralism poststructuralist properties question reality refers reject relationship role rules and resources scientific realism scientists sense simply social action social facts social ontology social relations social sciences social structures social theory social world society specific struc structural theory structuralist structure and agency structure as rules suggest theoretical tion understanding Waltz Weber Wendt whilst