The philosophical foundations of social work

by Frederic G. Reamer

"Surprisingly little attention has been devoted to examining basic assumptions regarding the purpose, method, and perspective on which the social work profession rests. The Philosophical Foundations of Social Work explores core philosophical issues in the field, and demonstrates their far-reaching implications for practice and research." "Although the field of social work has grown to encompass knowledge and understanding of such issues as mental illness, poverty, aging, substance abuse, and community development, "Reamer argues that the profession's philosophical foundations have gone largely unexamined. "The heart of any profession," he writes, "consists of a philosophical oriented statement of purpose and perspective." This book lays the groundwork for such a task." "Beginning with an original and succinct assessment of political philosophy - specifically, the state's role in social welfare, distributive justice, equality, and welfare rights - Reamer turns his attention to major the