Theory Courses

This course is intended for use in Sociological Theory II (753402) and Sociology of Contemporary societies (753403) in Sociology, and corresponding study units in other disciplines in the Faculty of Social Sciences. It is offered to all MA students in the Department of Social Research and all doctoral students in the PhD Programme of the Social Sciences. It can also be used in history, philosophy, political science and economics if agreed with the examiner of the corresponding study unit.

THE SOCIOLOGICAL PROMISE FROM THE ENLIGHTENMENT TO POSTMODERN CRITICS. FIGHTING BACK THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL MONSTER

Presentation of the course

Why is it so difficult to deal with difference in modern societies? Do they, even the most liberal democracies, have a tendency to turn into totalitarian states? These are questions that arise today as we look around the world in which we live, but they are not new. The social thought in the Enlightenment formulated them on the basis of two starting points. First, societies are not held together by natural laws; they are man-made human constructions and therefore historical and variable. Second, not only are societies made by humans; also humans are made by societies. Calculative rationality is one of the ways in which societies “make man” but not the basis of social order.
Most sociological traditions have fought back the “anthropological monster” of the self-interested rational calculator that keeps reappearing not only in economic theory but also in everyday thought. Doing this they have sought to answer the two questions above. There must be a way of binding members of society to the social order as equals but accommodating their differences. The subjects of the social order are also the source of its political legitimacy. The republican paradox, as it is here called, is a tendency towards totalitarian rule that originates from this very source.
This lecture and reading course discusses the way sociological theories have dealt with these two problems, starting with the Enlightenment, commenting on the classical tradition, and then going into solutions, the neoliberal creed and the contractual illusion, that are part of our everyday political and practical struggles over equality and difference, and the danger of totalitarianism.

Programme
30.10. Enlightenment on modern society: agency as the principle of justification of social order
06.11. The classical tradition and the ambivalences of modern societies: conflict or integration?
13.11. Critics of republicanism and the threat of totalitarianism
20.11. Universalism and difference: Erik Allardt’s theory
29.11. The neoliberal turn: Milton Friedman on liberty
04.12. The contractual illusion and the New Middle Class
11.12. Symbolisation and violence: Parsons, Bourdieu and the critique of the anthropological monster
18.12. FINAL EXAMINATION

The course in period 2, 2015, does not require participation in earlier courses of the same series.
The course consists of lectures, background readings, group work and an open examination (you can bring your laptops and use any material you like to answer the questions).
The course gives 5 Credit Points.

4,339 thoughts on “Theory Courses”

  2. One thing is the fact that one of the most typical incentives for utilizing your card is a cash-back or perhaps rebate supply. Generally, you get 1-5 back in various acquisitions. Depending on the card, you may get 1 back again on most purchases, and 5 again on purchases made using convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores along with ‘member merchants’.

  3. Wow, fantastic weblog format! How long have you ever been running a blog for? you make running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your web site is great, let alone the content material!

  7. I?m impressed, I have to say. Really not often do I encounter a weblog that?s both educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not enough individuals are speaking intelligently about. I am very comfortable that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing relating to this.

  12. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with helpful information to work on. You’ve performed a formidable process and our entire community will be grateful to you.

  15. I’m extremely inspired along with your writing talents as smartly as with the format in your weblog. Is this a paid topic or did you modify it your self? Either way keep up the nice high quality writing, it?s rare to look a great blog like this one today..

  16. Nice post. I learn one thing tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It can always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I?d prefer to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don?t mind. Natually I?ll offer you a hyperlink in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

  22. What i do not realize is actually how you are not really much more well-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize thus significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it?s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always maintain it up!

  23. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Outstanding work!

  27. Thanks for your posting. One other thing is that if you are selling your property alone, one of the troubles you need to be conscious of upfront is when to deal with house inspection reports. As a FSBO seller, the key about successfully transferring your property in addition to saving money with real estate agent revenue is information. The more you already know, the simpler your home sales effort will be. One area when this is particularly essential is inspection reports.

  28. I used to be very pleased to seek out this net-site.I wished to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I undoubtedly having fun with each little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  33. Thanks for the interesting things you have uncovered in your post. One thing I’d like to reply to is that FSBO interactions are built with time. By presenting yourself to owners the first weekend break their FSBO is usually announced, prior to a masses start out calling on Thursday, you generate a good connection. By giving them equipment, educational materials, free reviews, and forms, you become a great ally. By using a personal affinity for them as well as their scenario, you build a solid relationship that, most of the time, pays off as soon as the owners opt with a representative they know in addition to trust – preferably you.

  35. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  36. I feel that is one of the so much important information for me. And i’m satisfied studying your article. However want to statement on some common things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is in point of fact excellent : D. Good activity, cheers

  37. Thanks for your information on this blog. One particular thing I would wish to say is always that purchasing electronics items over the Internet is not new. In reality, in the past ten years alone, the market for online electronic products has grown considerably. Today, you will find practically any type of electronic system and gizmo on the Internet, ranging from cameras plus camcorders to computer spare parts and game playing consoles.

  42. You really make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be really one thing that I believe I would never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very broad for me. I’m taking a look forward on your subsequent publish, I will try to get the cling of it!

  43. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would check this? IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your fantastic writing due to this problem.

  47. I do enjoy the way you have presented this specific challenge plus it does indeed offer me personally some fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, because of just what I have seen, I just simply trust when the opinions pile on that people keep on point and not start on a soap box regarding the news du jour. All the same, thank you for this outstanding piece and though I do not go along with this in totality, I respect your viewpoint.

  48. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *