Is social science really a science at all, and if so in what sense? This is the first question that any course on the philosophy of the social sciences must tackle. In this brief introduction, Malcolm Williams gives students the grounding that will enable them to discuss the issues involved. He looks at: the historical development of natural science and its distinctive methodology; the case in favour of an objective science of the social which follows the same rules; the arguments of social constructionists, interpretative sociologists and others against the validity of this objective value free stance; and recent developments in natural science - for instance the rise of complexity theory and the increased questioning of positivism - which bring it closer to some of the key arguments of social science. Throughout, the book is illustrated with brief examples taken from the actual practice of social science research and from popular works of natural science which should illuminate the debate for all students whatever their background.