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Possibilism: An Approach to Problem‐Solving Derived from the Life and Work of Albert O. Hirschman
Author(s) -
Lepenies Philipp H.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
development and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1467-7660
pISSN - 0012-155X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-7660.2008.00487.x
Subject(s) - prima facie , originality , multidisciplinary approach , sociology , work (physics) , epistemology , mode (computer interface) , social science , positive economics , philosophy , computer science , economics , engineering , qualitative research , mechanical engineering , operating system
Albert O. Hirschman is the author of seminal, but prima facie unconnected contributions to the social sciences (‘exit–voice’, ‘linkages’). Yet, his main originality lies in his general approach to problem‐solving which is hidden behind the complexity of his oeuvre . This article intends to disentangle the intricacies of his work and to reveal his specific mode of investigation by making the multifaceted biographical influences on Hirschman's scholarly writings visible. Exhibiting the influence that decisive moments in his life had on his work not only allows us to identify and define his method of ‘possibilism’: it also shows that this approach remains a valid and useful multidisciplinary tool for unorthodox contemporary social analysis.