ISBN:
9781137038678
Language:
English
Pages:
1 online resource (332 pages)
Parallel Title:
Erscheint auch als
DDC:
301
Keywords:
Electronic books
Abstract:
A distinctive and accessible introductory text that presents social theory not as a specialist subject, but as a relevant resource for anyone wanting to explain social phenomenon. The text actively encourages those who are new to social theory, as well as more advanced students, to develop and practice their own capacities for social explanation.
Abstract:
Cover -- Contents -- List of figures, boxes and biography boxes -- List of key examples -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction: social theory as a 'tool kit' for social explanation -- The object of social theory: collective phenomena -- Social science and everyday social knowledge -- Social theory, critical practice and making complexity intelligible -- Hypothesising and explaining -- The set of fundamental concepts: a tool kit -- Trying the tool kit -- Different levels and kinds of theory and creativity in social explanation -- Describing and justifying how the book is organised -- A framework for distinguishing different kinds of social theory -- Part I: The concept of the individual -- Chapter 1: What do individuals explain? -- The example of 'creative individualism' -- The necessity and sufficiency of individuals in social explanation -- Individuals as embodied objects with natural, innate properties -- Implications for social theory -- Individuals as (non-rational and rational) personal subjects -- Historically significant individuals -- Rational choice theory -- Differences between individuals: personalities and skill in settling a land dispute -- End-seeking 'games' as framing rational choice -- Explaining the social patterning of action and differences between collectivities -- Conclusion -- Chapter 2: Testing the explanatory value of individuals -- Testing for the 'sufficiency' of the rational individual -- Financial traders -- Making ends meet in the ghetto -- Conclusion -- Part II: The concept of nature -- Chapter 3: What does nature explain? -- 'Nature' as the natural environment: a conditioning factor -- Nature and the natural environment as subject to change -- Humans as part of nature: moving away from binary thinking -- Nature and the role of technical rationality and technology in social evolution.
Note:
Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources
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