God Gave Physics the Easy Problems:
Top Cited Papers
- 1 March 2000
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in European Journal of International Relations
- Vol. 6 (1) , 43-76
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1354066100006001003
Abstract
For conceptual and empirical reasons the quest for predictive theory rests on a mistaken analogy between physical and social phenomena. Evolutionary biology is a more productive analogy for social science. We explore the value of this analogy in its `hard' and `soft' versions, and examine the implications of both for theory and research in International Relations. We develop the case for forward `tracking' of International Relations on the basis of local and general knowledge as a constructive response to the problems we identify in backward-looking attempts to build deductive, nomothetic theory.Keywords
This publication has 30 references indexed in Scilit:
- Proliferation Pessimism and Emerging Nuclear PowersInternational Security, 1997
- In Search of Democratic Peace: Problems and PromiseMershon International Studies Review, 1997
- Complex Insecurity: Implications of a Sobering Metaphor: 1996 Presidential AddressInternational Studies Quarterly, 1996
- Explaining the Kashmir Insurgency: Political Mobilization and Institutional DecayInternational Security, 1996
- The Philadelphian system: sovereignty, arms control, and balance of power in the American states-union, circa 1787–1861International Organization, 1995
- On Analysing the Dynamics of Foreign Policy Change:Cooperation and Conflict, 1993
- The Agency-Structure Problem in Foreign Policy AnalysisInternational Studies Quarterly, 1992
- How the Cases You Choose Affect the Answers You Get: Selection Bias in Comparative PoliticsPolitical Analysis, 1990
- The Territorial State Revisited: Reflections on the Future of the Nation-StatePolity, 1968
- Rise and Demise of the Territorial StateWorld Politics, 1957