The New Sociological Imagination

by Steve Fuller

• ISBN13: 9780761947578
• ISBN10: 0761947574
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-03-03
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Summary

'This is one of the most ambitious, provocative and persistently engaging sociology books I have read for several years. Specifically, Fuller's achievements are (a) making us think hard about how we need to place the social within a broader context including the biological, (b) placing current disputes into a much longer time frame running back to the 18th century and before, (c) emphasising the link between social thought, religion and global politics in unusual ways. As the book proceeds, a breathtaking range of theorists from anthropology, sociology, philosophy, religion and theology, politics and economics are paraded in front of us and their lessons distilled in lively and generally accessible prose. It is a striking achievement - Mike Savage, University of ManchesterC. Wright Mills' classic The Sociological Imagination has inspired generations of students to study Sociology. However, the book is over half a century old. What would a book aiming to attract and inform students in the twenty first century address? This is the task that Steve Fuller sets himself in this major new invitation to study Sociology.The book:" Critically examines the history of the social sciences to discover what the key contributions of Sociology have been and how relevant they remain." Demonstrates how biological and sociological themes have been intertwined from the beginning of both disciplines from the 19th century to the present day" Covers virtually all of sociology's classic theorists and themes" Provides a glossary of key thinkers and concepts.This book sets the agenda for imagining Sociology in the 21st century and will attract students and professionals alike.

Author Biography

Steve Fuller is Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick

Table of Contents

Desperately Seeking Sociology In The 21st Century

Tales of the Academic Undead

The Mysterious Disappearance of Society

The Social Sciences at Risk

A Brief History of the Stakes

Socialism as the Elusive Synthesis at the Heart of Social Science

The Problem of Inheritance and Socialism's Ultimate Retreat to Naturalism

Towards a Renewal of Welfare and the Rediscovery of British Sociology

Interlude

Today's Orwellian Turn in Sociology

The Biological Challenge to Social Science

The Hidden Biological Past of Classical Social Theory

Making the Difference between Sociology and Biology Matter Today

Beware of Darwinists Bearing Leftist Gifts

The Struggle for Marx's Successor

Who (or What) Deserves Our Sympathy?

Humanity As the Endangered Species of Our Times

The Coming World-Historic Struggle in Science and Religion

Understanding the Fundamentalist Backlash against Secularism

Karma Secularized

The Darwinian Turn in Development Policy

Might we become Nazis in Paradise?

Conclusion

Is There No Escape from Human Nature?

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