Time and Social Theory

Focusing on the role of time-related concerns in social theory, this book argues that time should be a key part of social theory. Through an analysis of time, the author aims to show that contemporary social theory is embedded in Newtonian science and classical dualistic philosophy.

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Time is at the forefront of contemporary scholarly inquiry across the natural sciences and the humanities. Yet the social sciences have remained substantially isolated from tim-related concerns. This book argues that time should be a key part of social theory and focuses concern upon issues which have emerged as central to an understanding of today's social world. Through her analysis of time Barbara Adam shows that our contemporary social theories are firmly embedded in Newtonian science and classical dualistic philosophy. She exposes these classical frameworks of thought as inadequate to the task of conceptualizing our contemporary world of standardized time, computers, nuclear power and global telecommunications.