Critical Reflections on Post-Positivism in International Relations

• DOI: 10.2307/2600459
• Publication Date: 2006-06-18T11:34:08Z
• Authors: Thomas J. Biersteker
• Keywords: Positivism; Historicism; Reflexivity; Perspectivism; Pluralism; Critical reflection

Yosef Lapid clarifies the nature of recent critical reflection on international theory and contributes to opening discourse subject. However, he understates diversity, historicism, post-positivist inquiry exaggerates extent which pluralism, perspectivism relativism have taken root in relations. He is also insufficiently post-positivism does not say enough about problem criteria for evaluating alternative explanations. His article essentially a preface larger project, one yet be undertaken, project will need more concrete, self-reflexive, nuanced research that takes criticisms seriously constructs plausible explanations important subjects.