The New Pragmatist Sociology: Inquiry, Agency, and Democracy

Pragmatist thought is essential to sociology, but sociologists often encounter it indirectly. The New Pragmatist Sociology examines questions of methodology, social interaction, and politics across the themes of inquiry, agency, and democracy, with contributions from a range of sociologists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Pragmatist thought holds a pivotal position within the realm of sociology, yet it often manifests itself indirectly, as a philosophy of science or as an influence on canonical social scientists, rather than serving as a primary source of theory, research questions, and methodological reflection in contemporary sociology. In The New Pragmatist Sociology, a collective effort by Neil Gross, Isaac Ariail Reed, and Christopher Winship brings together a diverse group of sociologists to explore fundamental concepts within the field and their historical and theoretical connections to classical pragmatism. This comprehensive book delves into inquiries concerning methodology, social interaction, and politics, encompassing the broad themes of inquiry, agency, and democracy. The essays within engage in a profound and multifaceted exploration of topics that resonate with both pragmatist philosophy and sociology, including rationality, speech, truth, expertise, and methodological pluralism.

Contributors to this volume include renowned sociologists such as Natalie Aviles, Karida Brown, Daniel Cefaï, Mazen Elfakhani, Luis Flores, Daniel Huebner, Cayce C. Hughes, Paul Lichterman, John Levi Martin, Ann Mische, Vontrese D. Pamphile, Jeffrey N. Parker, Susan Sibley, Daniel Silver, Mario Small, Iddo Tavory, Stefan Timmermans, Luna White, and Joshua Whitford. Their insightful contributions shed light on the intricate interplay between pragmatism and sociology, offering valuable insights and perspectives that enrich our understanding of these disciplines.

The New Pragmatist Sociology serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners alike, providing a comprehensive exploration of pragmatist thought and its relevance to contemporary sociology. By bridging the gap between philosophy and sociology, this book fosters a deeper understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of social inquiry, enabling sociologists to develop innovative approaches to research and analysis. As we navigate the complexities of our social world, this book offers a compass for navigating the challenges and opportunities that arise, promoting a more informed and empathetic approach to social change.

Weight: 848g
Dimension: 178 x 252 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231203791