David Stewart has drawn upon his own broad knowledge and a range of sources to provide an in-depth and informative introduction to the social sciences. The author's intent is to provide a work which may serve as a guide to this subject area and arouse the interest of, inform and assist those who choose to study it. This objective is clearly fulfilled as he considers the various fundamental issues of social science ranging from an analysis of the American constitution, in comparison to the British political system, to an enlightening exploration of the philosophy of important figures such as Plato and Descartes.Through concise and accessible language the author thus discusses the complexities and universal issues associated with a subject that touches upon the nature of everyday human existence.