ABSTRACT
In this chapter I shall examine some of the problems of ‘explanation’ in social science in a way which attempts to do justice to the specific nature and complexity of its objects of study. In particular, I shall try to show why characteristically explanations are relatively incomplete, approximate and contestable. I take the difficulties to arise from an interplay between the nature of the object of study, on the one hand, and our aims, expectations and methods on the other. While some of the problems might be said to be self-imposed through the use of inappropriate methods, what is or isn’t appropriate can only be decided by reference to judgements about the nature of the thing to be explained. In part, the issue can be clarified by reference to our earlier distinctions between abstract and concrete analysis and generalization, but it also helps to look at the problem in terms of alternative research designs.
