Critical Realism … or Critical Idealism?
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 28 September 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to argue that the school of thought known as Critical Realism and the thinkers involved in the current revival of interest in British Idealism would benefit from interacting with each other.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper proceeds by critically examining central tenets in the thought of each school, and exhibit their affinities and differences.
Findings
It is found that there are central themes and concerns shared by each school of thought, and that the recognition of such commonalities might prove mutually beneficial to the relevant parties in their goal of positively transforming social reality. Furthermore, the Critical Realist worry about Idealisms “irreality” is shown to be unfounded.
Originality/value
The close relationship of the ideas of these two “lines of thought” has not, to our knowledge, previously been highlighted. Having done so in the paper, a useful dialogue may ensue.
Keywords
Citation
Callahan, G. (2010), "Critical Realism … or Critical Idealism?", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 37 No. 11, pp. 867-879. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068291011082838
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited