Description
A major problem encountered by students of the social sciences is the frequent re-occurrence of conceptual issues in the course of their studies. In the attempt to understand the human person in his relationship with others, and in his relationship with his physical and cultural environment, we may observe that empirical studies abound and, as they do not explain the complexity of the interrelationships, the need for a theoretical and more critical perspective is felt. This arises from the view of the fact that a man’s relations with his fellows are permeated with his ideas about reality, profoundly shaped by his philosophy. All this tends to lead to less clear understanding of what is involved in the concept of intelligibility in human affairs.
This very important book is written for people to whom philosophy, as an academic discipline, is not a familiar subject, especially for the student of the social sciences. An ill-disposed towards philosophy and broad reflective thought as someone developing an entrenched hostility when detail and manner of argument create a sense of irritating and burdensome irrelevance.
“The symbolic relationship between the Social Sciences and Philosophy appears to be the raison d’être of this extremely important and enthralling monograph… Akin Onigbinde’s erudition is clearly borne out in this monograph, which is spiced with concepts and examples drawn from disciplines like ethnology, social anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, and philosophy… the monograph would be of tremendous benefit to students of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science.”
– Larry Enihoso, Professor of Sociology, Social Science Academy of Nigeria, Abuja.
“Akin Onigbinde displayed robust and rigorous scholarship, impressive depth and breadth of knowledge transcending disciplinary boundaries. This text poses engaging questions, challenges received wisdom and provides illuminating insights into the philosophy and methodology of the social sciences… its strongest points are its interdisciplinary and ability to make us query long-held assumptions about the nature of social reality and society.”
– Ayodeji Olukoju, Economic historian, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
“This is one work that justifies itself not only on the basis of its philosophical richness, but also on the basis of its political standpoint which it makes very clear and unambiguous. The straight forward, easy-to-read style and the comprehensiveness of his labour makes this a definitive addition to the enterprise of understanding man and his society.”
– Wale Are Olaitan, Political theorist, Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.
“For anyone interested in learning what contemporary debate in the philosophy of Social Sciences will come away… with a deeper understanding of just what this discipline is. This book is an important, brilliant work.”
– Dipo Irele, Social theorist, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Akinyemi Onigbinde teaches socio-political philosophy at the Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye. He has published extensively in learned journals on developmental issues. He maintains regular appearance in The News/Tempo on public affairs.
