“Sociology is not a practice, but an attempt to understand.” -Peter Berger. Invitation to Sociology
Can you teach yourself Sociology? To think Sociologically?
I hope so, because that’s what I’m attempting to do. I want to think like a sociologist, to not accept the “commonsense” reasons for why things are the way they are. To ask, along with Peter Berger, “Says Who?”
When did this project begin? Formally – in December 2010 after I read Lewis Coser’s book Men of Ideas. But before that, there are dozens of threads that I can trace that got me here.
So how am I going about the project?
Reading: I have set as my 10 year goal the list of books that the International Sociological Association deems important. But I’m also reading pop sociology books. And reading articles in the American Sociological Review. And anything else I think will help me to understand.
Questioning. Asking.
Maybe one day conducting a research study.
This is the early stages, so we’ll take it from the beginning.
Good morning! Just a brief not of thanks. As I was researching the more ethereal philosophy of money I came across your review of Simmel. I am a fan of his contemporary, Weber, as well. Ive got to pick up Simmels book now, especially in relation to Kant. Enjoy your blog, please find the time to keep it going!
B
Thank You! Even though this post was ages ago, I’ve still been reading Philosophy of Money as well as several of Simmel’s other essays and hope to get a few more posts up when I finish them and taking notes. (and when my “real” classes have finished for the semester and I have time to compose my thoughts more coherently.)