The idea of social life

Article Abstract:

The concept of society as a form of life or organism should be revived, as it most adequately conveys the dynamic experience of social life. Organic imagery was commonly used by earlier authors such as Le Bon, Freud, Toennies, and Simmel, but the notion has since fallen into disrepute. A new metaphysic is needed to support the concept of society as organism, one which can draw on the work of Whitehead and Langer. Presentational symbolisms in the form of visual images are better suited to express social life than discursive symbolisms such as language.

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"Agency" as a red herring in social theory

Article Abstract:

The concept of agency in social theory is discussed, with a focus on the voluntaristic theory of action of Talcott Parsons and the theory of structuration of Anthony Giddens. Topics include Parsons's voluntarism, agency in Giddens, and accounts of action as caused or chosen in sociology.

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On the limits of sociological theory

Article Abstract:

Problems with sociological theory are discussed, with a focus on attempts to account for the existence of the social order and to explain how it functions. Topics include Comte's sociology, weak theories, strong theories, and retreats from the substantive hunch.

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