Post-Philosophical Sociology: Eliasian Perspectives on the Sociology of Knowledge

This book revisits Norbert Eliass pre-eminent figurational-process sociology to increase the fund of sociological knowledge with the human condition as its horizon. It offers incisive evaluations of attempts to diagnose the malaise of contemporary globalized society and challenges the orthodox limitation of the empirical scope of sociology to 'modernity'. It appeals to scholars of sociology, psychoanalysis, social philosophy, cultural theory, and social and political theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In a time when individuality reigns supreme and policy-driven research dominates the social sciences, this book takes a refreshing look at the humanistic world-view that underpins Norbert Eliass renowned figurational-process sociology. Its primary objective is to expand the sociological knowledge base, focusing on the human condition as its central concern. By clarifying the often-controversial 'post-philosophical aspects, this book seeks to provide fresh insights into the history of sociology, offering critical evaluations of prominent sociologists' attempts to diagnose the challenges of contemporary globalized society. It also challenges the traditional boundaries of sociology's empirical scope, advocating for a broader understanding of human experiences across time and cultures.

Post-Philosophical Sociology is a thought-provoking work that will appeal to scholars from various disciplines, including sociology, psychoanalysis, social philosophy, cultural theory, and social and political theory. Those with interests in developmental and dynamic thinking, as well as the history of the discipline, will find this book particularly valuable.

The book begins by exploring the origins and evolution of the humanistic world-view in sociology, highlighting its significance in understanding the complexities of human behavior and society. It then delves into the contentious 'post-philosophical aspects, examining how they have influenced the discipline and offering new perspectives on the challenges facing contemporary society.

One of the book's key strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between philosophy and sociology. By integrating philosophical insights into sociological analysis, the book provides a deeper understanding of the human condition and the social structures that shape it. It challenges the traditional view that sociology is solely concerned with empirical observation and quantitative research, advocating for a more holistic and qualitative approach that recognizes the subjective experiences and cultural contexts of individuals and societies.

In addition to its theoretical contributions, Post-Philosophical Sociology offers insightful evaluations of some of the bewildered attempts by prominent sociologists to diagnose the malaise of contemporary globalized society. It critiques the reductionist approach that often characterizes policy-driven research, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced and complex understanding of social phenomena. The book also challenges the orthodox limitation of the empirical scope of sociology to 'modernity, arguing that the humanistic world-view can be applied to understand the complexities of historical and non-Western societies.

One of the book's most alarming warnings is its concern about the prevalence of 'overcritique' in the discipline and the lack of in-depth sociological psychology. It argues that the over-emphasis on theoretical and methodological debates has led to a neglect of the human dimension of sociological research. The book advocates for a return to a more empirically-grounded and psychologically-informed approach to sociological inquiry, recognizing the importance of individual experiences, emotions, and social interactions in shaping social structures and behaviors.

Post-Philosophical Sociology is a timely and important work that offers a fresh perspective on the humanistic world-view in sociology. It challenges the boundaries of the discipline and encourages scholars to think beyond the traditional paradigms of policy-driven research and empirical observation. By integrating philosophical insights into sociological analysis, the book provides a deeper understanding of the human condition and the social structures that shape it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in expanding the sociological knowledge base and exploring the complexities of human behavior and society.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032045252