The Meaning of General Theoretical Sociology Tradition and Formalization [Hardcover]

This book sets out a generative structuralist conception of general theoretical sociology; its philosophy, its problems, and its methods.This book sets out a generative structuralist conception of general theoretical sociology; its philosophy, its problems, and its methods. The field is defined as a comprehensive research tradition with many intersecting subtraditions that share conceptual components.This book sets out a generative structuralist conception of general theoretical sociology; its philosophy, its problems, and its methods. The field is defined as a comprehensive research tradition with many intersecting subtraditions that share conceptual components.Describing the field of sociology as a comprehensive research tradition, this book analyzes the field's various sub-traditions, and demonstrates that many of these traditions not only intersect, but share conceptual components. In close analyses of its central theoretical elements, the author develops an integrative philosophy of the field. Classical traditions in sociological thought are honored and utilized while newer methodologies, such as process studies, ethnomethodology, and network analysis, are incorporated. The emphasis of the book is on the formalization and unification of processes in order to advance the state of theory today. Along the way, numerous conceptual issues and methodological problems of interest in contemporary sociological theory are discussed.List of figures and tables; Preface; Introduction; 1. A philosophy of general theoretical sociology; 2. Dynamical social systems and the key problems; 3. Action theory and social order; 4. Structuralism unification; Summary; Notes; References; Index of names; Index of subjects. ...a major work...thoughtful, provocative, and substantial...Fararo has demonstrated that he is the best formal theorist sociology now has. Lee Freese, Contemporary Sociology ...an important and provocative book by a thoughtful, comprehensive, and powerful thinkelã(