The art of social theory / Richard Swedberg.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Swedberg, Richard, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Arts and society.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (295 p.)

Edition:

Course Book

Place of Publication:

Princeton, New Jersey ; Oxfordshire, England : Princeton University Press, 2014.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In the social sciences today, students are taught theory by reading and analyzing the works of Karl Marx, Max Weber, and other foundational figures of the discipline. What they rarely learn, however, is how to actually theorize. The Art of Social Theory is a practical guide to doing just that. In this one-of-a-kind user's manual for social theorists, Richard Swedberg explains how theorizing occurs in what he calls the context of discovery, a process in which the researcher gathers preliminary data and thinks creatively about it using tools such as metaphor, analogy, and typology. He guides readers through each step of the theorist's art, from observation and naming to concept formation and explanation. To theorize well, you also need a sound knowledge of existing social theory. Swedberg introduces readers to the most important theories and concepts, and discusses how to go about mastering them. If you can think, you can also learn to theorize. This book shows you how. Concise and accessible, The Art of Social Theory features helpful examples throughout, and also provides practical exercises that enable readers to learn through doing.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Introduction: Why Theorize and Can You Learn to Do It?

Part 1: How to Theorize

Chapter 1. Starting Anew

Chapter 2. Social Observation

Chapter 3. Naming, Concept, and Typology

Chapter 4. Analogy, Metaphor, and Pattern

Chapter 5. Coming Up with an Explanation

Part 2: Preparing for Theorizing

Chapter 6. Heuristics

Chapter 7. Practical Exercises

Chapter 8. The Role of Theory

Chapter 9. Imagination and Art

Chapter 10. Summary and More

Appendix: How to Theorize according to Charles S. Peirce

Acknowledgments

Notes

References

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (ebrary, viewed July 16, 2014).

ISBN:

9781306944748

1306944740

9781784029197

178402919X

9781400850358

1400850355

OCLC:

883373460