The Great Alternatives of Social Thought

The Great Alternatives of Social Thought PDF Author: Terrence E. Cook
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 9780847676842
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Book Description
In an engaging and erudite style, this book takes the reader to the heart of western political theory. Like the cardinal points of a compass, the four alternatives that Cook presents-aristocrat, saint, capitalist, socialist-define the distinct strategies offered to cope with scarcities underlying violent human conflicts, for these core commitments dominate their contrasting economics and politics. Throughout, Cook evidences a detailed knowledge of many authors and themes in classical and modern political thinking. Resisting the temptation to regard the problematic as 'ideal types' from which to embellish or criticize, he blends an objective presentation of each view with penetrating insights and parallels. To each alternative, he applies the presumptions of rule and authority, especially mediated by expectations of democracy.

The Great Alternatives of Social Thought

The Great Alternatives of Social Thought PDF Author: Terrence E. Cook
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 9780847676842
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 326

Get Book

Book Description
In an engaging and erudite style, this book takes the reader to the heart of western political theory. Like the cardinal points of a compass, the four alternatives that Cook presents-aristocrat, saint, capitalist, socialist-define the distinct strategies offered to cope with scarcities underlying violent human conflicts, for these core commitments dominate their contrasting economics and politics. Throughout, Cook evidences a detailed knowledge of many authors and themes in classical and modern political thinking. Resisting the temptation to regard the problematic as 'ideal types' from which to embellish or criticize, he blends an objective presentation of each view with penetrating insights and parallels. To each alternative, he applies the presumptions of rule and authority, especially mediated by expectations of democracy.

Social Theory for Alternative Societies

Social Theory for Alternative Societies PDF Author: Matt Dawson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1137337346
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
This book traces a unique story of social theory: one which focuses on its role in offering ideas for alternative societies. In charting this story, Matt Dawson argues that the differences in alternatives offered by social theorists not only demonstrate the diversity in, and value of, sociological perspectives, but also emphasize competing ideas of the role of intellectuals in social change. The text discusses a collection of social theorists –from key figures such as Marx, Durkheim and Du Bois to less well known or now commonly overlooked writers such as Levitas, Lefebvre and Mannheim. It explains their use of the tools of sociology to critique society and provide visions for alternatives, highlighting elements of the intellectual backgrounds of movements such as socialism, anti-racism, feminism and cosmopolitanism. Social Theory for Alternative Societies not only explores in detail a variety of thinkers, but also reflects on the relevance of sociology today and on the connection between social theory and the 'real world.' Thus it will be of interest to students of sociology and those interested in ideas for a better society.

Alternative Modernity

Alternative Modernity PDF Author: Andrew Feenberg
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520915701
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 268

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Book Description
In this new collection of essays, Andrew Feenberg argues that conflicts over the design and organization of the technical systems that structure our society shape deep choices for the future. A pioneer in the philosophy of technology, Feenberg demonstrates the continuing vitality of the critical theory of the Frankfurt School. He calls into question the anti-technological stance commonly associated with its theoretical legacy and argues that technology contains potentialities that could be developed as the basis for an alternative form of modern society. Feenberg's critical reflections on the ideas of Jürgen Habermas, Herbert Marcuse, Jean-François Lyotard, and Kitaro Nishida shed new light on the philosophical study of technology and modernity. He contests the prevalent conception of technology as an unstoppable force responsive only to its own internal dynamic and politicizes the discussion of its social and cultural construction. This argument is substantiated in a series of compelling and well-grounded case studies. Through his exploration of science fiction and film, AIDS research, the French experience with the "information superhighway," and the Japanese reception of Western values, he demonstrates how technology, when subjected to public pressure and debate, can incorporate ethical and aesthetic values.

Reflections on the Social Thought of Allama M.T. Jafari

Reflections on the Social Thought of Allama M.T. Jafari PDF Author: Seyed Javad Miri
Publisher: University Press of America
ISBN: 0761851925
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 114

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Book Description
In this work, the author presents the work of Allama M.T. Jafari, an Iranian, contemporary social thinker who worked within the parameters of Primordial School of Social Theory. This work is an attempt to enrich the existing literature on comparative sociology and social philosophy.

Social Thought from Lore to Science

Social Thought from Lore to Science PDF Author: Howard Saul Becker
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780486209029
Category : Sociology
Languages : en
Pages : 484

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Book Description


Catholic Social Thought and Liberal Institutions

Catholic Social Thought and Liberal Institutions PDF Author: Michael Novak
Publisher: Transaction Publishers
ISBN: 9781412819206
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 316

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Book Description
"Novak is to be commended for raising the question of liberty in connection with economic justiceThis volume makes a significant contribution to the discussion of Catholic social thought and contemporary economic policies." --John T. Pawlikowski, O.S.M, Theology Today

The Social Origins of Thought

The Social Origins of Thought PDF Author: Johannes F.M. Schick
Publisher: Berghahn Books
ISBN: 1800732341
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 329

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Book Description
By studying how different societies understand categories such as time and causality, the Durkheimians decentered Western epistemology. With contributions from philosophy, sociology, anthropology, media studies, and sinology, this volume illustrates the interdisciplinarity and intellectual rigor of the “category project” which did not only stir controversies among contemporary scholars but paved the way for other theories exploring how the thoughts of individuals are prefigured by society and vice versa.

Governance of Science

Governance of Science PDF Author: Steve Fuller
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335231586
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 186

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Book Description
What does social and political theory have to say about the role of science in society? Do scientists and other professional enquirers have an unlimited 'right to be wrong'? What are the implications of capitalism and multiculturalism for the future of the university? This ground-breaking text offers a fresh perspective on the governance of science from the standpoint of social and political theory. Science has often been seen as the only institution that embodies the elusive democratic ideal of the 'open society'. Yet, science remains an elite activity that commands much more public trust than understanding, even though science has become increasingly entangled with larger political and economic issues. Fuller proceeds by rejecting liberal and communitarian ideologies of science, in favour of a 'republican' approach centred on 'the right to be wrong'. He shows how the recent scaling up of scientific activity has undermined the republican ideal. The centrepiece of the book, a social history of the struggle to render the university a 'republic of science' focuses on the potential challenges posed by multiculturalism and capitalism. Finally, drawing on the science policy of the US New Deal, Fuller proposes nothing short of a new social contract for 'secularizing' science.

The Social Thought of Emile Durkheim

The Social Thought of Emile Durkheim PDF Author: Alexander Riley
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483310868
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 281

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Book Description
This new volume of the SAGE Social Thinkers series provides a concise introduction to the work, life, and influences of Émile Durkheim, one of the informal “holy trinity” of sociology’s founding thinkers, along with Weber and Marx. The author shows that Durkheim’s perspective is arguably the most properly sociological of the three. He thought through the nature of society, culture, and the complex relationship of the individual to the collective in a manner more concentrated and thorough than any of his contemporaries during the period when sociology was emerging as a discipline.

Liberal Economics and Democracy

Liberal Economics and Democracy PDF Author: Conrad Waligorski
Publisher: Lawrence, Kan. : University Press of Kansas
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
"Waligorski shows why there is such resilience and viability to this brand of liberalism. The chapter on Keynes is as good a short piece on the economist as can be found anywhere". -- Kenneth M. Dolbeare, author of American Political Thought. "A coherent and insightful book by a sagacious thinker". -- Charles E. Lindblom, author of Politics and Markets.