The Rise of Social Theory
A brilliant account of the origins of social theory and sociology, which provides a vivid portrayal of intellectual culture between the Enlightenment and the age of romanticism. The Rise of Social Theory is a methodologically innovative work, combining social and intellectual history to examine changes in the social sciences, along with the conditions under which these changes occurred. Heilbron discusses the work of early theorists such as Montesquieu and Rousseau, as well as the Scottish moral philosophers. He argues that it was the natural sciences, rather than moral philosophy or natural law, which became the leading intellectual model in the nineteenth century.
A brilliant account of the origins of social theory and sociology, which provides a vivid portrayal of intellectual culture between the Enlightenment and the age of romanticism. The Rise of Social Theory is a methodologically innovative work, combining social and intellectual history to examine changes in the social sciences, along with the conditions under which these changes occurred. Heilbron discusses the work of early theorists such as Montesquieu and Rousseau, as well as the Scottish moral philosophers. He argues that it was the natural sciences, rather than moral philosophy or natural law, which became the leading intellectual model in the nineteenth century.
“Heilbron’s book offers a detailed and interesting analysis of the French contribution to the social sciences.” Choice
The Rise of Social Theory offers a brilliant account of the origins of social theory and sociology, providing a vivid portrayal of intellectual culture between the Enlightenment and the age of romanticism. It is a methodologically innovative work that combines social and intellectual history to examine changes in the social sciences, along with the conditions under which these changes occurred.
Heilbron discusses the work of such early theorists as Montesquieu and Rousseau, as well as the Scottish moral philosophers. He argues that it was the natural sciences, rather than moral philosophy or natural law, that became the leading intellectual model in the nineteenth century. The mathematician Cordorcet and physiologist Cabanis were the most prominent representatives of this trend.
The Rise of Social Theory details the birth of social theory as a distinctive and modern intellectual genre, as well as its relationship to the growth of the state. It will be welcomed by students and researchers in the social sciences, social and cultural history, and the history of science.
Copublished with Polity Press, Cambridge, England.
“Heilbron’s book offers a detailed and interesting analysis of the French contribution to the social sciences.” Choice
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