1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910817229603321

Autore

Swedberg Richard

Titolo

The art of social theory / / Richard Swedberg

Pubbl/distr/stampa

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

©2014

ISBN

1-306-94474-0

1-78402-919-X

1-4008-5035-5

Edizione

[Course Book]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (295 p.)

Classificazione

SOC026000SOC024000

Disciplina

700.103

Soggetti

Arts and society

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

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

Sommario/riassunto

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.