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, the profession's philosophical foundations have gone largely unexamined. In "The Philosophical Foundations of Social Work", Frederic Reamer explores basic assumptions regarding the purpose, method, and perspective on which the social work profession rests, and demonstrates their far-reaching implications for practice and research. 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 themes such as moral philosophy, logic, epistemology, and aesthetics. While Reamer's philosophical framework is nuanced and sophisticated, he never loses sight of the practical applications of his theories in regard to casework, group practice, family intervention, social policy, and administration.