Schools of Thought in Sociology series – serie

This is a carefully edited selection of the seminal articles and papers on positivism which has been an important cornerstone of sociology.Positivism has had an enormous influence on both the theoretical ambitions and empirical research strategies of sociology ever since Comte coined both the terms 'positivism' and 'sociology' over a century ago. This influence was strengthened during the heyday of logical positivism in the early decades of this century, with its rigorous attempt to rid all the sciences, natural and social, of metaphysical speculations. The whole of the history of sociology could be described as a struggle with positivism, its proponents attempting to secure the foundations of a scientific study of society and its critics seeking to identify what it is about the social that frees it from positivist canons. These books gathers together the most influential voices in the struggle over the very nature of the discipline of sociology.

Psychoanalytic Sociology presents a careful selection of the most important seminal articles on the inter-relations which have developed between psychoanalysis and sociology.A new introductory chapter, prepared by the editors, reviews the most recent developments clarifying the different influences of psychoanalytical writers such as Freud, Klein and Lacan on sociological thought. A broad definition of 'the sociological' has been adopted, corresponding to the topics and ideas being explored.This comprehensive and authoritative two volume set is an essential reference guide to both the origins and the most recent developments in psychoanalytic sociology.