Reintroducing Gabriel Tarde

This book provides a new introduction to Gabriel Tarde's thought, highlighting the relevance and novelty of his general theoretical approach and specific analyses. It demonstrates that Tarde's infinitesimal sociology provides a framework to understand social phenomena such as social networks, public opinion, innovation, diffusion, virality, and virtuality. It appeals to scholars and students of social sciences and social theory interested in contemporary social thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book provides a fresh and insightful introduction to the thought of Gabriel Tarde, emphasizing the enduring relevance and even novelty of both his general theoretical approach and numerous specific analyses. By demonstrating that Tarde elaborates a comprehensive understanding of society that was initially met with difficulty but is increasingly akin to our own, it establishes that the infinitesimal sociology offered by Tarde provides a framework through which we can comprehend a wide range of social phenomena. The author clarifies and expands upon Tarde's central theses on the multiple, differential, infinitesimal, and infinite nature of both the social and the subjective, with particular attention to social networks, public opinion, innovation, diffusion, virality, and virtuality—all topics that were central to Tarde's own work. Reintroducing Gabriel Tarde will appeal to scholars and students of social sciences and social theory with interests in contemporary social thought, offering a valuable perspective on the enduring significance of Tarde's ideas.

Weight: 439g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032053981