This book uses the philosophy of Wittgenstein as a perspective from which to challenge the idea of a critical social theory, represented pre-eminently by Giddens, Habermas and Bhaskar.

This highly regarded work provides an important new perspective for researchers and students of social sciences in general, political science, philosophy, social and political theory and sociologists.

1. Wittgenstein and critical social theory 2. Does Wittgenstein mean what he says? The rejection of 'theory' and 'explanation' 3. Winch, Wittgenstein and critical social theory 4.
Wittgenstein's rule-following remarks and critical social theory: deconstructing tacit knowledge and transcendental rules 5. Hayek's and Gidden's epistemological argument against socialism: a myth of symbolism? 6. 'Free to act otherwise'? Questioning the reality of Bhaskar's realist ontology 7. Milgram versus Garfinkel: are we cultural dopes or reflexive agents? A reflexive critique of ethnomethodology 8. Habermas and the idea of a critical social theory - a change of paradigm? 9. Conclusion