Statement of the argument: Philosophical orientation and the theoretical framework for critique

Abstract

In this Chapter I shall attempt two tasks. First I shall state the Principal Thesis (P.T.) of this work in a clear and concise form and summarize the overall argument of the work. Second I shall give some discussion and defense of the philosophical orientation of the work itself, and defend the project against some arguments which critics may advance to discredit, devalue and reject, the overall project. Such critical self-reflexivity is necessary, for only the briefest awareness of scholarly debate ensures one that many works are criticized in this fashion (especially in book reviews). The aim here is to write a strong and cogently reasoned piece of work which will convince the reader of various difficulties in a number of reviewed and criticized positions, and thus clarity in our thesis and aims is crucial.