Study Questions for Little, Chapter 4

  1. What is the author's main point?
  2. How does interpretive theory square with the idea of (scientific) progress?
  3. What is the difference between explanation and understanding?
  4. What is the method of verstehen?
  5. What constitutes a good interpretation?
  6. How can an interpretation be explanatory?
  7. How does one understand social practices?
  8. What are the components of the different approaches to interpreting social action?
  9. Why does culture matter?
  10. What areas of American politics might be understood through the interpretive approach?
  11. Why does any of this matter to political scientists?

Things to look for/keep in mind for future readings:

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