Understanding Bashkar's Critical Realism

Critical realism, as proposed by Roy Bashkar, is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms that generate observable social phenomena. Bashkar posits that traditional empiricist views fall short by merely acknowledging surface-level experiences without delving into the deeper structures that produce such phenomena. For example, while it may seem like an individual choice determines housing segregation, critical realism pushes us to investigate broader societal dynamics, such as economic incentives and historical patterns of discrimination. This perspective thus seeks to reveal the complex interconnections within social realities, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the factors that shape human behavior and social structures.