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Industrial relations, critical social science and reform: I , principles of engagement
Author(s) -
Edwards Paul
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
industrial relations journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.525
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 1468-2338
pISSN - 0019-8692
DOI - 10.1111/irj.12097
Subject(s) - normative , emancipation , realism , sociology , epistemology , field (mathematics) , critical realism (philosophy of perception) , law and economics , work (physics) , positive economics , law , political science , economics , philosophy , politics , mathematics , engineering , mechanical engineering , pure mathematics
Industrial relations has long had a concern with the links between research and policy. This concern connects with wider debates on emancipation in the related field of C ritical M anagement and in social science in general. This paper lays out an approach to engagement with policy through four arguments. First, ontological realism provides a grounding for claims as to scientific truth. Second, we can also say from realist principles that people have real interests. Third, links between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ can be addressed through the normative arguments presented by A ndrew S ayer. Finally, dimensions of real interests, based on the work of Ed H eery, are identified. Part II of the paper provides application and illustration.