Studying human behavior : how scientists investigate aggression and sexuality /

In this important contribution to the philosophy of the science(s) of human behavior, Longino (Stanford) studies in particular the "proximate" causation of human aggression and sexuality. First she indicates that at least five different approaches to studying human behavior exist, reflected in chapters titled "Quantitative Behavioral Genetics," "Social-Environmental Approaches," "Molecular Behavioral Genetics," "Neurobiological Approaches," and "Integrative Approaches." Each has its own underlying ontological and epistemological presuppositions. Second, these approaches are incommensurable because they reflect various "cognitive and practical interests" and ask different questions. Third, the concept of behavior as employed in the social sciences is "vague and inflected with social values." Therefore, "defining and operationalizing" aggressive behavior and sexual behavior is problematic within and between these approaches. Accordingly, Longino not only describes methodological pluralism in the study of human behavior, she also prescribes it. Critics of Longino's pluralism will include methodological monists, and scientists engaged in one of the five approaches who view the other four as either false or less useful. Rife with scientific and philosophical detail, this book's arguments are mostly inaccessible to undergraduate students. Nevertheless, this is a must read for philosophers of science and behavioral scientists, and a challenging (but worthwhile) read for their graduate students. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through professionals/practitioners. R. F. White College of Mount St. Joseph