Critical Issues in Social Theory - read free eBook in online reader or directly download on the web page. Select files or add your book in reader. Download and read online ebook Critical Issues in Social Theory write by John K. Rhoads. This book was released on 1991. Critical Issues in Social Theory available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Critical Issues in Social Theory is an analytical survey of persistent controversies that have shaped the field of sociology. It defines, clarifies, and proposes solutions to these &"critical issues&" through commentary on the writings of such influential social theorists as Hobbes, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Merton, Parsons, and Schutz. Instead of being just another history, or another classification of theories, Rhoads's four-part model allows him to focus attention on issues that remain at the core of sociological theory today. First, Rhoads analyzes the controversy over positivism as the proper methodological model for the study of human society. Is there one science, of which sociology is a branch, or do the peculiarities of sociology's subject matter require a modification of the scientific method borrowed from the natural sciences? Rhoads next considers the relationship of individuals to society and its structures. Does society have a mode of existence distinct from its members, or is it merely an abstraction derived from the characteristics of individuals? Third, a discussion of social order raises the question of whether social order is the consequence of rules and their underlying moral values, or the product of continuous construction based on self-interest. Finally, the relative importance of consensus and conflict in social relationships is addressed. Is society better understood as a community united by beliefs, values, and rules, or is the social dynamic of continual conflict over beliefs, values, and rules more fundamental? In coming to grips with these issues, the author in some instances takes sides and in others arrives at a synthesis of diverse perspectives. In the final chapter he points to the limitations on the possibility of rational action that come to light in the clashes over these basic issues.
Critical Issues in Social Theory
Critical Issues in Social Theory - read free eBook in online reader or directly download on the web page. Select files or add your book in reader. Download and read online ebook Critical Issues in Social Theory write by John K. Rhoads. This book was released on 2010-11-01. Critical Issues in Social Theory available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Critical Issues in Social Theory is an analytical survey of persistent controversies that have shaped the field of sociology. It defines, clarifies, and proposes solutions to these "critical issues" through commentary on the writings of such influential social theorists as Hobbes, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Merton, Parsons, and Schutz. Instead of being just another history, or another classification of theories, Rhoads's four-part model allows him to focus attention on issues that remain at the core of sociological theory today. First, Rhoads analyzes the controversy over positivism as the proper methodological model for the study of human society. Is there one science, of which sociology is a branch, or do the peculiarities of sociology's subject matter require a modification of the scientific method borrowed from the natural sciences? Rhoads next considers the relationship of individuals to society and its structures. Does society have a mode of existence distinct from its members, or is it merely an abstraction derived from the characteristics of individuals? Third, a discussion of social order raises the question of whether social order is the consequence of rules and their underlying moral values, or the product of continuous construction based on self-interest. Finally, the relative importance of consensus and conflict in social relationships is addressed. Is society better understood as a community united by beliefs, values, and rules, or is the social dynamic of continual conflict over beliefs, values, and rules more fundamental? In coming to grips with these issues, the author in some instances takes sides and in others arrives at a synthesis of diverse perspectives. In the final chapter he points to the limitations on the possibility of rational action that come to light in the clashes over these basic issues.
The Risk Society and Beyond
The Risk Society and Beyond - read free eBook in online reader or directly download on the web page. Select files or add your book in reader. Download and read online ebook The Risk Society and Beyond write by Barbara Adam. This book was released on 2000-07-27. The Risk Society and Beyond available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Risk society and beyond traces the evolution of Ulrich Beck's ideas as expressed in Risk Society (1992) and expands into previously unforeseen risk areas, such as genetics and cyberspace.
Social Theory and Education
Social Theory and Education - read free eBook in online reader or directly download on the web page. Select files or add your book in reader. Download and read online ebook Social Theory and Education write by Raymond Allen Morrow. This book was released on 1995-03-09. Social Theory and Education available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. This book summarizes and critiques theories of social and cultural reproduction as they relate to sociology of education.
Rational Choice Theory
Rational Choice Theory - read free eBook in online reader or directly download on the web page. Select files or add your book in reader. Download and read online ebook Rational Choice Theory write by James S. Coleman. This book was released on 1992-08-11. Rational Choice Theory available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Rational Choice Theory is one of the few general theories of how individuals, groups, organizations and social structures behave - its impact on sociological theorizing has been enormous. In this volume, advocates and critics present their views of the values and limitations of rational choice theory. Whether supporter or sceptic, sociologists and other social scientists will find themselves immersed in a creative discussion of the merits and difficulties of the model and its applicability to both macro and micro level social issues.
