Handbook of Contemporary European Social Theory [Hardcover]

This innovative publication maps out the broad and interdisciplinary field of contemporary European social theory. It covers sociological theory, the wider theoretical traditions in the social sciences including cultural and political theory, anthropological theory, social philosophy and social thought in the broadest sense of the term.

This volume surveys the classical heritage, the major national traditions and the fate of social theory in a post-national and post-disciplinary era. It also identifies what is distinctive about European social theory in terms of themes and traditions. It is divided into five parts: disciplinary traditions, national traditions, major schools, key themes and the reception of European social theory in American and Asia.

Thirty-five contributors from nineteen countries across Europe, Russia, the Americas and Asian Pacific have been commissioned to utilize the most up-to-date research available to provide a critical, international analysis of their area of expertise. Overall, this is an indispensable book for students, teachers and researchers in sociology, cultural studies, politics, philosophy and human geography and will set the tone for future research in the social sciences.

Introduction: Social Theory in Europe Today Gerard Delanty  Part 1: Disciplinary Traditions  1. Founders, Classics, and Canons in the Formation of Social Theory Tom Kemple  2. Social Theory and the Social Sciences Patrick Baert  3. Social Theory and Political Philosophy Peter Wagner  4. Theology and Social Theory Austin Harrington  Part 2: National Traditions  5. Contemporary German Social Theory Hauke Brunkhorst  6. The Age of Epigones: Post-Bourdieusian Social Theory in France &lló@