The Anthem Companion to Alfred Schutz

This book explores Schutz's philosophical-phenomenological theory of the social world, addressing topics such as the second person, face-to-face relationships, human action, signs, symbols, relevance, epistemological questions, and the sociology of knowledge. It also examines how Schutzian theory can be extended to explain macro-sociological realities like modern society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

Given that Schutz was a philosopher and a social scientist, this book will examine topics in Schutz's philosophical-phenomenological theory of the social world, such as the second person, the face-to-face relationship, the meaning of human action, signs, symbols, relevance (or interests). Schutz's explanation of the social world, however, was meant to provide a philosophical foundation for the social sciences, and so this book will also consider epistemological questions, such as traditional knowledge and the opacity of knowledge and theory, that is, the neglected or unseen questions that accompany knowing or theorizing. Also, authors from within the Schutzian framework will address issues within the social sciences, such as the Durkheimian aspects of Schutz's thought, the sociology of knowledge, and the theory of sociology. It will also explore how Schutzian theory, which is often viewed as a micro-sociology, can be extended to give an account of a macro-sociological reality like modern society (Gesellschaft).

Schutz's philosophical-phenomenological theory of the social world is a rich and complex framework that offers a profound understanding of the human experience in the social world. His theory emphasizes the importance of the second person, the face-to-face relationship, and the meaning of human action in shaping our understanding of the social world. Signs, symbols, and relevance are also key components of Schutz's theory, as they help us to interpret and understand the social world around us.

One of the most important aspects of Schutz's theory is his emphasis on the second person. He argues that the social world is fundamentally shaped by our interactions with others, and that our understanding of the social world is shaped by our ability to recognize and respond to the perspectives of others. The face-to-face relationship, which is at the heart of Schutz's theory, is a key component of this emphasis on the second person. Schutz argues that the face-to-face relationship is the primary means by which we establish and maintain our social connections, and that it is through this relationship that we develop our sense of self and our understanding of the social world.

The meaning of human action is another key component of Schutz's theory. He argues that human action is not merely a product of our intentions or desires, but is also shaped by the social world around us. Our actions are influenced by the social norms and expectations that surround us, as well as by the material conditions of our existence. Schutz's theory emphasizes the importance of understanding the social context in which human action occurs, as this can help us to understand the motivations and consequences of our actions.

Signs, symbols, and relevance are also important components of Schutz's theory. Signs are the material expressions of social relationships, such as gestures, objects, and symbols. Symbols, on the other hand, are the mental representations of social relationships, such as ideas, beliefs, and values. Relevance, or interests, is the sense of connection or significance that we feel towards the social world around us.

Schutz's explanation of the social world was meant to provide a philosophical foundation for the social sciences. He argued that the social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, and political science, could benefit from a philosophical understanding of the social world. His theory emphasizes the importance of recognizing the opacity of knowledge and theory, as well as the neglected or unseen questions that accompany knowing or theorizing.

Authors from within the Schutzian framework will address issues within the social sciences, such as the Durkheimian aspects of Schutz's thought, the sociology of knowledge, and the theory of sociology. They will explore how Schutzian theory can be extended to give an account of a macro-sociological reality like modern society (Gesellschaft). They will also address how Schutzian theory can be used to understand the complexities of social life, such as the relationship between individual and social identity, the role of power and authority in the social world, and the nature of social change.

In conclusion, this book will examine topics in Schutz's philosophical-phenomenological theory of the social world, such as the second person, the face-to-face relationship, the meaning of human action, signs, symbols, relevance, epistemological questions, and the social sciences. It will explore how Schutzian theory can be extended to give an account of a macro-sociological reality like modern society and how it can be used to understand the complexities of social life. By examining the rich and complex framework of Schutz's theory, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience in the social world and develop a more nuanced and critical perspective on the social world around us.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839983672