Studying Human Behavior: How Scientists Investigate Aggression and Sexuality

Abstract

Studying Human Behavior: How Scientists Investigate Aggression and Sexuality demonstrates the relevance and validity of scientifi c pluralism as a mode of understanding scientifi c study of human behavior.Previously, in her Th e Fate of Knowledge (Princeton University Press, 2002), the author demarcated her stance on social epistemology as the epistemic framework in which her version of a philosophical scientifi c pluralism fi ts well.Th e present book clearly puts these principles to work.Th e result is a fascinating yet easy read, reporting empirical research on how various sciences study and explain human behavior.Th roughout, the book is well written and well thought.Based on exhaustive observation and careful analysis of scientifi c practices and discourses, it off ers insights on fi ve distinct scientifi c approaches to the study of sexuality and aggression.Th e book restores, defends, and maintains openness to pluralism (p.2).Its author's aim is not to engage the nature/ nurture debate, nor judge which one of the scientifi c approaches is best in explaining the phenomena they study.Instead, the focus is on what each approach contributes within the limits of its strengths and weak points.In addition she considers the interplay of politics and popular mass media in infl uencing advancement and directions in scientifi c discourse.

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