Harvard's Quixotic Pursuit of a New Science
The Rise and Fall of the Department of Social Relations
- 264 pages
- 10 hours of reading
The narrative explores the ambitious efforts of Talcott Parsons and prominent social scientists to create a groundbreaking interdisciplinary department at Harvard. It delves into themes of hubris, ego, and the intricacies of academic politics, all while highlighting Parsons's relentless pursuit of a comprehensive theory of social behavior. This instructive tale offers a compelling look at the challenges and dynamics within the academic community during a transformative period in social science.
