Pragmatic Humanism

On the Nature and Value of Sociological Knowledge

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Pragmatic Humanism by Marcus Morgan, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Marcus Morgan ISBN: 9781317612346
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 29, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Marcus Morgan
ISBN: 9781317612346
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 29, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Is sociology best understood as simply chipping away at our ignorance about society, or does it have broader roles and responsibilities? If so, to what—or perhaps to whom—are these responsibilities? Installing humanity as its epistemological and normative start and endpoint, this book shows how humanism recasts sociology as an activity that does not merely do things, or effect things, but is also self-consciously for something.

Rather than resurrecting problematic classical conceptions of humanism, the book instead constructs its arguments on pragmatic grounds, showing how a pragmatic humanism presents an improved picture of both the nature and value of the discipline. This picture is based less around the claim that sociology is capable of providing authoritative revelations about society, and more upon its capacity to offer representations of the social in epistemologically open, transformative, ethical, and hopeful ways.

Ultimately, it argues that sociology’s real value can only be disclosed by replacing its image as a discipline aimed towards disinterested social enlightenment with one of itself as a practice both dependent upon, and at its best self-consciously aimed towards, human ends and imperatives. It will appeal to scholars and students across the social sciences, and to those working in social theory, sociology, and philosophy of the social sciences in particular.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Is sociology best understood as simply chipping away at our ignorance about society, or does it have broader roles and responsibilities? If so, to what—or perhaps to whom—are these responsibilities? Installing humanity as its epistemological and normative start and endpoint, this book shows how humanism recasts sociology as an activity that does not merely do things, or effect things, but is also self-consciously for something.

Rather than resurrecting problematic classical conceptions of humanism, the book instead constructs its arguments on pragmatic grounds, showing how a pragmatic humanism presents an improved picture of both the nature and value of the discipline. This picture is based less around the claim that sociology is capable of providing authoritative revelations about society, and more upon its capacity to offer representations of the social in epistemologically open, transformative, ethical, and hopeful ways.

Ultimately, it argues that sociology’s real value can only be disclosed by replacing its image as a discipline aimed towards disinterested social enlightenment with one of itself as a practice both dependent upon, and at its best self-consciously aimed towards, human ends and imperatives. It will appeal to scholars and students across the social sciences, and to those working in social theory, sociology, and philosophy of the social sciences in particular.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book A History of Astronomy (Routledge Revivals) by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Mayan Visions by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Managing God's Business by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Studies in the History of Latin American Economic Thought by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Encyclopedia of the Developing World by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Racism and Resistance among the Filipino Diaspora by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book True to the Language Game by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Action Research for Democracy by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book The Natural and Moral History of the Indies, by Father Joseph de Acosta by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Making News in India by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Politics and Aesthetics in The Diary of Virginia Woolf by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Consuming People by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book Welfare & Competition by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book The European Union and Direct Taxation by Marcus Morgan
Cover of the book The Routledge Companion to Directors' Shakespeare by Marcus Morgan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy