Focusing on the intricacies of sociological explanation, this work delves into the methodologies and frameworks that shape the understanding of social phenomena. It explores how sociologists construct their analyses and the implications of these approaches for interpreting human behavior and societal structures. The book encourages critical thinking about the processes behind sociological inquiry, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in the foundations of social science.
This book presents the first analysis and critique of the idea of practice as it has developed in the various theoretical traditions of the social sciences and the humanities. The concept of a practice, understood broadly as a tacit possession that is 'shared' by and the same for different people, has a fatal difficulty, the author argues. This object must in some way be transmitted, 'reproduced', in Bourdieu's famous phrase, in different persons. But there is no plausible mechanism by which such a process occurs. The historical uses of the concept, from Durkheim to Kripke's version of Wittgenstein, provide examples of the contortions that thinkers have been forced into by this problem, and show the ultimate implausibility of the idea of the interpersonal transmission of these supposed objects. Without the notion of 'sameness' the concept of practice collapses into the concept of habit. The conclusion sketches a picture of what happens when we do without the notion of a shared practice, and how this bears on social theory and philosophy. It explains why social theory cannot get beyond the stage of constructing fuzzy analogies, and why the standard constructions of the contemporary philosophical problem of relativism depend upon this defective notion.
Engaging with central themes in social theory, political theory, and science studies, this work offers a profound exploration of key ideas from both classical and contemporary thinkers. Its depth and breadth make it a significant contribution to the discourse, encouraging a wide readership and thoughtful reflection on its insights.
Aaron Turner is nearing the peak of his success in ranching and other ventures in this eighth and final volume of the Western Quest Series. The story follows the unending series of natural and man-made disasters that forever changed the cattle culture of Texas: epic blizzards and drought, “The Great War,” the Spanish influenza epidemic, the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl and the crushing toll that it took on one Texas family. But it also chronicles their resilience, determination and values that saw them through to the other side. Here is a record of hope, redemption, and quiet inner strength as Aaron Turner travels that last trail west that we must all take. May we all do so with the character and dignity of this fine man.
