John Rex Book order (chronological)

These essays, commissioned by John Rex, reflect the state of sociology in Britain today. Leading representatives of the diverse 'schools' provide lucid accounts of their own particular approaches to this complex discipline and in doing so demonstrate the techniques described. Topics covered include the empirical study of stratification, social evolution, survey techniques, mathematical sociology, systems theory, phenomenological approaches, Weberian sociology, structuralism, contemporary Marxism, and the development of theory after Talcott Parsons.

This book presents an extended historical and philosophical argument that serves as a valuable resource for students of the philosophy of social sciences. It explores alternatives to positivist and empiricist views of the physical sciences, reframing the debate between naturalism and anti-naturalism in social sciences. Recent materialist and realist philosophies enable a defense of naturalism that does not yield to positivism and acknowledges the strength of anti-positivist arguments from the anti-naturalist (neo-Kantian) tradition. The author critically evaluates empiricist and positivist theories of knowledge, examining classic efforts to establish a philosophical foundation for scientific sociology. Starting with the Kantian critique of empiricism, the book delves into major anti-positivist and anti-naturalist philosophical approaches to social studies. It assesses the shortcomings of post-Kantian arguments from thinkers like Rickert, Weber, and Winch, particularly regarding non-positivist naturalism and the philosophical foundation for social studies. The conclusion includes a critical investigation of the Marxian tradition, aiming to establish a materialist and realist defense of a natural science of history that avoids the fundamental flaws found in both positivist and neo-Kantian philosophical foundations.