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This chapter presents a full-fledged pluralistic, contextual theory of scientific understanding that is built on the analysis of intelligibility offered in chapter 2. The basic idea of this contextual theory of understanding is captured by the Criterion for the Understanding of Phenomena, which is articulated in section 4.1. Subsequently, in sections 4.2 and 4.3, the theory is further developed in terms of criteria for intelligibility and an analysis of the role of conceptual tools, and is supported by examples from scientific practice. Section 4.4 elaborates on various aspects of the contextuality of scientific understanding: its historical dynamics, the role of intuitions, and the relation of the theory to existing pragmatic theories of explanation. The theory’s implications for the issues of reductionism and scientific realism are discussed in section 4.5, and the final section defends the contextual theory against the charge that it implies relativism.

In chapter 2 the terms “culture” and “cultural knowledge” are examined. The term “culture” has been defined in hundreds of ways and each definition has implications for conducting cultural research. Having an appropriate definition is critical because it will allow social work researchers to ask the most appropriate questions, design the most successful research study, select the most relevant data and research techniques, perform the most penetrating analyses and interpretations, and prepare the most relevant findings for various audiences—that is, to conduct culturally competent research. An historical overview provides a context for understanding the connections and influences the various concepts of culture have had on research. An appropriate definition for culturally competent social work research, is provided, pointing out its essential characteristics. In addition, some conceptual tools for guiding cultural research are discussed. The chapter concludes with a brief presentation of the methodological framework used in the design of culturally competent social work research described in subsequent chapters.

This chapter asks what can be learned by juxtaposing the accounts of Sherleen, Stan, Karin, and Devon. The case studies capture some of the microprocesses and practices of social and personal change that make up individual biographies. Although the cases cannot be understood as representative in any direct way, they are nevertheless emblematic of certain patterns of youth transitions, expressing hotspots in the emergence of new biographical forms. The approach taken in the chapter is to bring the four case studies into conversation. The first section of the chapter discusses the temporal dimension, focusing on biographical methods of living through which these young people's biographies are animated in narrative. In it, the conceptual tools that can be employed across case histories and the notion of reflexive project of self as an umbrella term are discussed. In the second section, the focus moves from the projects of self to the wider genre order within which these projects are situated and to which they contribute. This section seeks to identify the mediums within and through which these young people's unfolding biographies are played out, privileging a focus on structural elements that emerge from these case histories. It focuses on the fields of existence that characterise their accounts, the technologies of self made available therein, the investments and identifications that constrain their adoption, and the social and spatial features which frame their biographies.

There is an old saying that history is about revolution and evolution. This book considered history in the context of disruptive and incremental change within energy systems. In doing so, the research advances new tools and theory-building, while emphasizing broader lessons, particularly for policymakers, regarding the strategic management of energy transitions. This chapter discusses key insights from the study. It also identifies avenues for further research. There is no set formula for a country to shift to low carbon energy (or, for that matter, to undertake any energy transition). Whether transitions emerge or are driven, there is room for strategic management. • Focusing events, like oil shocks, can provide an opportunity for the rapid mobilization of an energy transition, despite differences in views. Such windows of opportunity, however, have a limited shelf life. Common tensions between competing interests will re-emerge and can undermine progress. Here, cross-sectoral collaboration and learning can provide important traction amidst a transition for meeting longer term objectives. • Least-cost economics can play a role in energy decision-making, yet policymakers should recognize that this approach does not adequately reflect all important objectives, costs or benefits. Co-benefits, including the flexibility to adapt in otherwise irreversible decisions, may matter for a society in an energy transition. Such benefits can be difficult to value in planning and analysis, but warrant scrutiny. Here, analysts and decision-makers can be pivotal by ensuring that viable options which add important value are not crowded out. • It is clear from the preceding pages that governments have a role to play in the energy playing field, even if government is not the driving force. The fundamental importance of energy, the widely entrenched nature of such systems, and the intersecting aspects of energy-related challenges with other public priorities reinforce this point. Here, public actors and policy can be instrumental in bridging gaps at critical junctures in a way that no other individuals may adequately address. • Societal views about ways to govern natural resources will factor in whether an energy transition depends on markets, government, or other means.

This chapter argues that despite the strong advocates of the application of meta-analysis in ecology and evolutionary biology, it is important to recognize that meta-analysis is not always appropriate; it is useful for some applications and not in others, as with any other statistical or conceptual tool. It is inappropriate when it makes no sense to combine studies. Other cases in which meta-analysis is not a useful tool include those where data are insufficient. The remainder of the chapter discusses current challenges for meta-analysis in ecology and evolution, factors facilitating progress of meta-analysis in ecology and related disciplines, and the potential and future of meta-analysis in ecology.

This chapter discusses some of the central theoretical perspectives on culture and cultural practices implied in Pragmatism and interactive constructivism. The first part of the chapter highlights three major perspectives on cultural theory to be found in Dewey's thought: culture and experience, culture and habit, and culture and communication. The chapter then compares basic conceptual tools and interpretive approaches and shows that Dewey's work continues to provide fundamental resources in this field. Through this connection, it presents a brief introduction to theories of discourse and power and discusses some implications for current controversies regarding multiculturalism. It argues that Dewey's Pragmatism and the Cologne program of interactive constructivism share a robust interest in culture and cultural diversity.

Structural realists have made use of category theory in three ways. The first is as a meta-level formal framework for a structural realist account of the structure of scientific theories, either syntactic or semantic. The second is an appeal to the category-theoretic structure of some successful, successive or fundamental, physical theory to argue that this is the structure we should be physically committed to, either epistemically or ontically. The third is to use category theory as a conceptual tool to argue that it makes conceptual sense to talk of relations without relata and structures without objects. After a brief overview of structural realism, I consider how each appeal to the use of category theory stands up against the aims of the structural realist.