Understanding Human Life A Methodological and Interdisciplinary Approach

“This fascinating and wide-ranging work pursues a pragmatic objective for social science researchers: identifying the principles underlying a scientific approach to human lives. … this volume, recently published in Springer’s Methodos series, is an invitation to open-mindedness and methodological ambition.” (Eva Lelièvre, Population, Vol. 78 (2), 2023)
Overall, Understanding Human Life is an accomplished book, different parts of which can serve many readers very well: From providing stimulating discussion material for students, through inspiring researchers to critically consider various methodological approaches to analysing human life, to situating many features of demographic and social science thinking in historical and philosophical context. This is not necessarily a book to break new grounds with innovative research findings. It is, however, an erudite, interdisciplinary, and pedagogical volume, well worth reading and thinking about. With its surprising insights, it offers a rare broadpicture perspective. This can only come from the scientific experience of someone who—like the author—was already at the forefront of demographic innovation throughout his career.
“Jakub Bijak, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.“