Helmut Staubmann

Addressing the neglect of the work of Talcott Parsons, the complexity of whose thought and the opacity of whose writing style can prove daunting, this book provides a comprehensible account of the major theoretical accomplishments in his work and the reasons for which his legacy remains important to contemporary sociological debates. With attention to the unification of theoretical concepts for the humanities, basic methodological issues such as empiricism and functional analysis, the definition and status of culture, the interaction between the individual and society and the question of modernity and societal change, Reading Talcott Parsons: A Re-Assessment of His Legacy offers an orientation in the work of one of the 20th century’s most important sociologists and explores the reason for which his contributions to the discipline are of enduring importance. As such it will appeal to scholars and students across the social sciences with interests in social theory, social research methodology and the history of sociology.

This book presents essays that address fundamental issues in social and cultural theory by viewing them through the lens of aesthetic theory. Drawing on the aesthetic theories of Theodor W. Adorno, Gregory Bateson, Jean-Marie Guyau, Talcott Parsons and Georg Simmel, it suggests a new take on basic sociological concepts and methodologies. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including the sensuality of social action, social construction of unreality, and The Rolling Stones’ enduring success as a reflection of our society and culture. The book’s title Sociology in a New Key refers to a classic work by Susanne K. Langer, whose Philosophy in a New Key argued for a reorientation of modern philosophical thought based on a thorough account of symbolism in general and of the arts in particular. In this way, the basic ideas and assumptions of the philosophical tradition are transposed to new understandings and perspectives. After all, it was GeorgSimmel himself who claimed to have gained several of his general theoretical insights “via the detour of reflections on the essence of art.” The book will appeal to scholars and students of the sociology of the arts and music, and to anyone interested in the intersection of social theory and aesthetics.

This book presents essays that address fundamental issues in social and cultural theory by viewing them through the lens of aesthetic theory. Drawing on the aesthetic theories of Theodor W. Adorno, Gregory Bateson, Jean-Marie Guyau, Talcott Parsons and Georg Simmel, it suggests a new take on basic sociological concepts and methodologies. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including the sensuality of social action, social construction of unreality, and The Rolling Stones’ enduring success as a reflection of our society and culture. The book’s title Sociology in a New Key refers to a classic work by Susanne K. Langer, whose Philosophy in a New Key argued for a reorientation of modern philosophical thought based on a thorough account of symbolism in general and of the arts in particular. In this way, the basic ideas and assumptions of the philosophical tradition are transposed to new understandings and perspectives. After all, it was GeorgSimmel himself who claimed to have gained several of his general theoretical insights “via the detour of reflections on the essence of art.” The book will appeal to scholars and students of the sociology of the arts and music, and to anyone interested in the intersection of social theory and aesthetics.

Dieses Buch ist f r "soziologische Anf nger" geschrieben, in erster Linie f r Studenten, die am Beginn eines Soziologiestudiums stehen oder mit Soziologie nur - freiwillig oder unfreiwillig - im Nebenfach in Ber hrung kommen. Eine berblickshafte, m glichst voraussetzungslose und leicht verst ndliche Einf hrung in das Thema "Soziologische Theorien", die diese Theorien jedoch andererseits auch nicht unter Wert verkauft.