Social Evolution and Sociological Categories (Routledge Revivals) / Edition 1

by Paul Q. Hirst

Overview

First published in 1976, this book is concerned with the nature of classification in the social sciences. Its thesis is that classifications are dependent upon and are derived from theoretical explanations. Classification is not a theoretically neutral typification or ordering of social forms. This is because objects classified – societies, social institutions – are not given to knowledge independently of the categories which construct them and because the categories of classification are themselves the products of theories.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415571289
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/27/2010
Series:	Routledge Revivals
Pages:	138
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. The Three Forms of Evolutionary Theory 3. Weber’s Sociological Categories 4. The Theory of Social Action 5. The Three Types of Legitimate Domination 6. The Sociological Categories of Economic Action 7. The Critique of Popular Democracy 8. Conclusion