Humanist Realism for Sociologists

Humanist Realism for Sociologists

Author: Terry Leahy

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2017-01-20

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 1317241029

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Recent critiques treat humanism as a mistaken value framework. Indeed, the concept of human nature is in fact essential for sociology, but is often being denied at the same time as it appears without acknowledgement. While classic authors can show us how to connect an ethics with a concept of human nature, current humanists must tackle the sociobiological view of human nature and interrogate humanism in the light of the ecological crisis. Humanist Realism for Sociologists both explains and explores some of the main arguments surrounding humanism put forward by classic social theorists such as Aristotle, Marx and Weber, as well as more contemporary authors, such as Braidotti, Oakley, Weedon, Firestone, Connell, Flyvjberg, Foucault and Bourdieu. A must-have tool for understanding how value perspectives cannot be eliminated from the social sciences, this book is essential for undergraduates, postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers interested in the fields of sociology, anthropology, women’s studies, social work, human geography, political philosophy and ecology.


Book Synopsis Humanist Realism for Sociologists by : Terry Leahy

Download or read book Humanist Realism for Sociologists written by Terry Leahy and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2017-01-20 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recent critiques treat humanism as a mistaken value framework. Indeed, the concept of human nature is in fact essential for sociology, but is often being denied at the same time as it appears without acknowledgement. While classic authors can show us how to connect an ethics with a concept of human nature, current humanists must tackle the sociobiological view of human nature and interrogate humanism in the light of the ecological crisis. Humanist Realism for Sociologists both explains and explores some of the main arguments surrounding humanism put forward by classic social theorists such as Aristotle, Marx and Weber, as well as more contemporary authors, such as Braidotti, Oakley, Weedon, Firestone, Connell, Flyvjberg, Foucault and Bourdieu. A must-have tool for understanding how value perspectives cannot be eliminated from the social sciences, this book is essential for undergraduates, postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers interested in the fields of sociology, anthropology, women’s studies, social work, human geography, political philosophy and ecology.


Marxism and Realism

Marxism and Realism

Author: Sean Creaven

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 1134562209

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This book rethinks Marx's sociology as a form of realist social theory, extending Roy Bhaskar's philosophical realism into the social sciences. By constructing historical materialism as realist social theory, it becomes possible to resolve many long standing dilemmas in Marxist discourse, such as voluntarism versus determinism and humanism versus economism.


Book Synopsis Marxism and Realism by : Sean Creaven

Download or read book Marxism and Realism written by Sean Creaven and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 349 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book rethinks Marx's sociology as a form of realist social theory, extending Roy Bhaskar's philosophical realism into the social sciences. By constructing historical materialism as realist social theory, it becomes possible to resolve many long standing dilemmas in Marxist discourse, such as voluntarism versus determinism and humanism versus economism.


Realist Responses to Post-Human Society: Ex Machina

Realist Responses to Post-Human Society: Ex Machina

Author: Ismael Al-Amoudi

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-07-27

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1351233688

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This volume is the first of a trilogy which investigates, from a broadly realist perspective, the place, and challenges, of the human in contemporary social orders. The authors, all members of the Centre for Social Ontology, ask what is specific about humanity’s nature and worth, and what are their main challenges in contemporary societies? Examining the ways in which recent advances in technology threaten to blur and displace the boundaries constitutive of our shared humanity, Realist Responses to Post-Human Society: Ex Machina explores the philosophical and ethical questions raised by these developments, and discusses the dangers posed by the combination of transhumanism with post-humanist social theories and antihumanist practices, institutions and ideologies.


Book Synopsis Realist Responses to Post-Human Society: Ex Machina by : Ismael Al-Amoudi

Download or read book Realist Responses to Post-Human Society: Ex Machina written by Ismael Al-Amoudi and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume is the first of a trilogy which investigates, from a broadly realist perspective, the place, and challenges, of the human in contemporary social orders. The authors, all members of the Centre for Social Ontology, ask what is specific about humanity’s nature and worth, and what are their main challenges in contemporary societies? Examining the ways in which recent advances in technology threaten to blur and displace the boundaries constitutive of our shared humanity, Realist Responses to Post-Human Society: Ex Machina explores the philosophical and ethical questions raised by these developments, and discusses the dangers posed by the combination of transhumanism with post-humanist social theories and antihumanist practices, institutions and ideologies.


Pragmatic Humanism

Pragmatic Humanism

Author: Marcus Morgan

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-01-29

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 1317612345

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Is sociology best understood as simply chipping away at our ignorance about society, or does it have broader roles and responsibilities? If so, to what—or perhaps to whom—are these responsibilities? Installing humanity as its epistemological and normative start and endpoint, this book shows how humanism recasts sociology as an activity that does not merely do things, or effect things, but is also self-consciously for something. Rather than resurrecting problematic classical conceptions of humanism, the book instead constructs its arguments on pragmatic grounds, showing how a pragmatic humanism presents an improved picture of both the nature and value of the discipline. This picture is based less around the claim that sociology is capable of providing authoritative revelations about society, and more upon its capacity to offer representations of the social in epistemologically open, transformative, ethical, and hopeful ways. Ultimately, it argues that sociology’s real value can only be disclosed by replacing its image as a discipline aimed towards disinterested social enlightenment with one of itself as a practice both dependent upon, and at its best self-consciously aimed towards, human ends and imperatives. It will appeal to scholars and students across the social sciences, and to those working in social theory, sociology, and philosophy of the social sciences in particular.


Book Synopsis Pragmatic Humanism by : Marcus Morgan

Download or read book Pragmatic Humanism written by Marcus Morgan and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-01-29 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Is sociology best understood as simply chipping away at our ignorance about society, or does it have broader roles and responsibilities? If so, to what—or perhaps to whom—are these responsibilities? Installing humanity as its epistemological and normative start and endpoint, this book shows how humanism recasts sociology as an activity that does not merely do things, or effect things, but is also self-consciously for something. Rather than resurrecting problematic classical conceptions of humanism, the book instead constructs its arguments on pragmatic grounds, showing how a pragmatic humanism presents an improved picture of both the nature and value of the discipline. This picture is based less around the claim that sociology is capable of providing authoritative revelations about society, and more upon its capacity to offer representations of the social in epistemologically open, transformative, ethical, and hopeful ways. Ultimately, it argues that sociology’s real value can only be disclosed by replacing its image as a discipline aimed towards disinterested social enlightenment with one of itself as a practice both dependent upon, and at its best self-consciously aimed towards, human ends and imperatives. It will appeal to scholars and students across the social sciences, and to those working in social theory, sociology, and philosophy of the social sciences in particular.


The Realist Image in Social Science

The Realist Image in Social Science

Author: D. Layder

Publisher: Springer

Published: 1990-02-19

Total Pages: 199

ISBN-13: 0230374174

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A constructive critique and development of the new realist philosophy of social science as it is specifically applied to sociology and social psychology. Dr Layder argues that while the realist project is a move in the right direction (i.e. to provide a viable alternative to positivism), there are certain problems and ambiguities in the realist programme as it now stands. The book confronts these problems and ambiguities in an innovative and controversial way while remaining committed to the general objectives of realism. In so doing the book attempts to go beyond current realist ideas and thereby expand its explanatory base and power.


Book Synopsis The Realist Image in Social Science by : D. Layder

Download or read book The Realist Image in Social Science written by D. Layder and published by Springer. This book was released on 1990-02-19 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A constructive critique and development of the new realist philosophy of social science as it is specifically applied to sociology and social psychology. Dr Layder argues that while the realist project is a move in the right direction (i.e. to provide a viable alternative to positivism), there are certain problems and ambiguities in the realist programme as it now stands. The book confronts these problems and ambiguities in an innovative and controversial way while remaining committed to the general objectives of realism. In so doing the book attempts to go beyond current realist ideas and thereby expand its explanatory base and power.


Reconstructing Sociology

Reconstructing Sociology

Author: Douglas V. Porpora

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2015-09-03

Total Pages: 253

ISBN-13: 1107107377

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A general critique of sociology, particularly sociology in the United States, from a critical realist perspective.


Book Synopsis Reconstructing Sociology by : Douglas V. Porpora

Download or read book Reconstructing Sociology written by Douglas V. Porpora and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2015-09-03 with total page 253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A general critique of sociology, particularly sociology in the United States, from a critical realist perspective.


Sociological Realism

Sociological Realism

Author: Andrea Maccarini

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2011-03-28

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 1136633197

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Sociological Realism presents a clear and updated discussion of the main tenets and issues of social theory, written by some of the top scholars within the critical realist and relational approach. It connects such approaches systematically to other strands of thought that are central in contemporary sociology, like systems theory and rational choice theory. Divided into three parts, social ontology, sociological theory, and methodology, each part includes a systematic presentation, a comment, and a wider discussion by the editors, thereby taking on the form of a dialogue among experts. This book is a uniquely blended and consistent conversation showing the convergence of European social theory on a critical realist and relational way of thinking. This volume is extremely important both for teaching purposes and for all those scholars who wish to get a fresh perspective on some deep dynamics of contemporary sociology.


Book Synopsis Sociological Realism by : Andrea Maccarini

Download or read book Sociological Realism written by Andrea Maccarini and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2011-03-28 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sociological Realism presents a clear and updated discussion of the main tenets and issues of social theory, written by some of the top scholars within the critical realist and relational approach. It connects such approaches systematically to other strands of thought that are central in contemporary sociology, like systems theory and rational choice theory. Divided into three parts, social ontology, sociological theory, and methodology, each part includes a systematic presentation, a comment, and a wider discussion by the editors, thereby taking on the form of a dialogue among experts. This book is a uniquely blended and consistent conversation showing the convergence of European social theory on a critical realist and relational way of thinking. This volume is extremely important both for teaching purposes and for all those scholars who wish to get a fresh perspective on some deep dynamics of contemporary sociology.


Philosophical and Sociological Principles of Education:

Philosophical and Sociological Principles of Education:

Author: R.P. Pathak

Publisher: Pearson Education India

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 311

ISBN-13: 9332501181

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Philosophical and Sociological Principles of Education examines the ideologies of eminent Eastern and Western educators and focuses on the history of various schools of thought, the role of education in Indian society, and how it leads to national integration and international understanding.


Book Synopsis Philosophical and Sociological Principles of Education: by : R.P. Pathak

Download or read book Philosophical and Sociological Principles of Education: written by R.P. Pathak and published by Pearson Education India. This book was released on 2011 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Philosophical and Sociological Principles of Education examines the ideologies of eminent Eastern and Western educators and focuses on the history of various schools of thought, the role of education in Indian society, and how it leads to national integration and international understanding.


Science For Humanism

Science For Humanism

Author: Charles R. Varela

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2009-01-13

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 1134017405

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In this book, Varela revisits the problem of structure versus agency. Based on his original insight into Kant's role in the debate, the author is able to solve this centuries old dilemma for the first time. He goes on to explain the wider ramifications of his discovery, addressing Giddens Call, the stalemate of the social and psychological sciences, determinism in science and postmodernism.


Book Synopsis Science For Humanism by : Charles R. Varela

Download or read book Science For Humanism written by Charles R. Varela and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2009-01-13 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book, Varela revisits the problem of structure versus agency. Based on his original insight into Kant's role in the debate, the author is able to solve this centuries old dilemma for the first time. He goes on to explain the wider ramifications of his discovery, addressing Giddens Call, the stalemate of the social and psychological sciences, determinism in science and postmodernism.


What's Critical About Critical Realism?

What's Critical About Critical Realism?

Author: Frédéric Vandenberghe

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-10-01

Total Pages: 430

ISBN-13: 113510493X

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What's Critical About Critical Realism?: Essays in Reconstructive Social Theory draws together 4 major articles that are situated at the intersection of philosophy and sociology. Preceded by a general presentation of Bhaskar ́s work, critical realism is used to reconstruct the generative structuralism of Pierre Bourdieu, warn about the dangers of biocapitalism, theorize about social movements and explore the hermeneutics of internal conversations. Together, the essays form a logical sequence that starts with a search for a solid conception of social structure through a realist critique of Bourdieu ́s rationalist epistemology, proceeds to an ideology critique of posthumanism through an investigation of Actor-Network Theory, extends critical realism to social movements through an investigation of the constitution of collective subjectivities and engages in a sustained dialogue with Margaret Archer through an attempt to reconnect hermeneutics and pragmatism to critical realism. The result is an ongoing dialogue between British critical realism, French historical epistemology, German critical theory and American pragmatism. As suits a collection of essays in social theory, this book will address a broad audience of sociologists, philosophers, social psychologists and anthropologists who are interested in contemporary social theory at the cutting edge. Academics and advanced students who relate to critical realism and critical theory, epistemology and philosophy of the social sciences, hermeneutics and pragmatism, or anyone else who follows the work of Roy Bhaskar, Pierre Bourdieu, Bruno Latour or Margaret Archer will find a keen interest in some of the theoretical questions the book raises.


Book Synopsis What's Critical About Critical Realism? by : Frédéric Vandenberghe

Download or read book What's Critical About Critical Realism? written by Frédéric Vandenberghe and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-10-01 with total page 430 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What's Critical About Critical Realism?: Essays in Reconstructive Social Theory draws together 4 major articles that are situated at the intersection of philosophy and sociology. Preceded by a general presentation of Bhaskar ́s work, critical realism is used to reconstruct the generative structuralism of Pierre Bourdieu, warn about the dangers of biocapitalism, theorize about social movements and explore the hermeneutics of internal conversations. Together, the essays form a logical sequence that starts with a search for a solid conception of social structure through a realist critique of Bourdieu ́s rationalist epistemology, proceeds to an ideology critique of posthumanism through an investigation of Actor-Network Theory, extends critical realism to social movements through an investigation of the constitution of collective subjectivities and engages in a sustained dialogue with Margaret Archer through an attempt to reconnect hermeneutics and pragmatism to critical realism. The result is an ongoing dialogue between British critical realism, French historical epistemology, German critical theory and American pragmatism. As suits a collection of essays in social theory, this book will address a broad audience of sociologists, philosophers, social psychologists and anthropologists who are interested in contemporary social theory at the cutting edge. Academics and advanced students who relate to critical realism and critical theory, epistemology and philosophy of the social sciences, hermeneutics and pragmatism, or anyone else who follows the work of Roy Bhaskar, Pierre Bourdieu, Bruno Latour or Margaret Archer will find a keen interest in some of the theoretical questions the book raises.