Selections from Western Social Theory in the 20th Century 3 (The Epistemological Construction of Social Theory)

Author: Su Guoxun, edited by Liu Xiaofeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: This anthology is primarily compiled from the works selected by Su Guoxun for Sociology Abroad and Philosophical Translation Series, supplemented by newly translated documents. It mainly includes works by prominent Western sociological thinkers, focusing on articles by late modern and contemporary European and American sociological scholars that discuss, analyze, and reflect on the modern "absolute knowledge" (i.e., sociological theory) form. It is divided into four parts (volumes):
Volume 1: The Beginning and End of Sociological Theory
Volume 2: The Various Theories of Sociological Theory
Volume 3: The Epistemological Construction of Sociological Theory
Volume 4: The Political Division of Sociological Theory
Social sciences only emerged in modern times. Although they now share academic dominance with the so-called "natural sciences" and "humanities," their actual positions in educational and cultural institutions and political systems are far more prominent. Social sciences generally refer to the collective term for disciplines that concern the "society," and sociological theory does not directly equate to social sciences. Rather, it serves as the theoretical foundation for the knowledge of these diverse and numerous disciplines. Sociological theorists resemble the "poets" of ancient Greece, the "theologians" of the Middle Ages, and the "metaphysicians" of modern times—they all aspire to provide teachable "absolute knowledge" in a comprehensive manner.