A practical guide to the art of theorizing in the social sciences In
the social sciences today, students are taught theory by reading and
analyzing the works of Karl Marx, Max Weber, and other foundational
figures of the discipline. What they rarely learn, however, is how to
actually theorize. The Art of Social Theory is a practical guide to
doing just that. In this one-of-a-kind user's manual for social
theorists, Richard Swedberg explains how theorizing occurs in what he
calls the context of discovery, a process in which the researcher
gathers preliminary data and thinks creatively about it using tools
such as metaphor, analogy, and typology. He guides readers through
each step of the theorist’s art, from observation and naming to
concept formation and explanation. To theorize well, you also need a
sound knowledge of existing social theory. Swedberg introduces readers
to the most important theories and concepts, and discusses how to go
about mastering them. If you can think, you can also learn to
theorize. This book shows you how. Concise and accessible, The Art of
Social Theory features helpful examples throughout, and also provides
practical exercises that enable readers to learn through doing.
Les mer
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781400850358
Publisert
2014
Utgiver
Vendor
Princeton University Press
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter