Determinism, Science, and Social Work

Abstract

The philosophical debate in the social work literature in the past several years over the place of science as a foundation for explaining human behavior and the nature of social work practice has articulated some extreme positions. It is believed that, in part, this polarity is based on a misinterpretation of the contemporary scientific view of the nature of cause and effect. This article explores conceptualizations that are replacing strict determinism in explaining causation, and discusses their implications for understanding research methodology and practice logic in social work. It is asserted that science is consistent with social work's values and conceptual framework provided that the most recent formulations of science are understood and employed.