Durkheim Reconsidered (eBook)

Sue Stedman Jones is an independent scholar affiliated to the Durkheim Studies Centre in Oxford. She was formerly a lecturer in Philosophy and Social Science at Goldsmiths College London.

Preface.

Chapter 1: The Interpretation of Durkheim: Sociology Contra
Durkheim.

Chapter 2: Durkheim as the Theorist of Order and Science.

Chapter 3: Understanding Durkheim in his Time: Historical and
Political Considerations.

Chapter 4: Philosophy and the Republic: the Influence of
Renouvier.

Chapter 5: Differentiation and the Problems of Modernity.

Chapter 6: Individualism and Socialism?.

Chapter 7: The Science of Facts and Things: Methodological
Considerations.

Chapter 8: Society as the "Coefficient of Preservation": the
Question of Suicide.

Chapter 9: The Thinking State: Power and Democracy.

Chapter 10: Practical Reason and Moral Order: Morality and
Society.

Chapter 11: Belief and the Logic of the Sacred.

Chapter 12: Final Reflections - Durkheim Contra Sociology.

Appendix: Durkheim and Renouvier.

Glossary.

Biographical Sketches.

Notes.

References.

Index

'Susan Stedman Jones's book is a fiery, evocative attack on old,
naive interpretations of Durkheim that have so long dominated the
sociological scene. She has done a great service in calling
scholars and students to look again at the texts and historical
background of this grandmaster. The book further points to the
devious paths sociological thought has trodden in recent years, not
least in neglecting Durkheim's fundamental ideas. Her stimulating
work will inevitably give rise to considerable debate.' W. S. F.
Pickering, British Centre for Durkheimian Studies, Oxford

'This book fully lives up to its title. It offers a coherent
critique of interpretations of Durkheim that remain widespread in
Anglo-American sociology, providing a reassessment that will come
as a surprise, even a shock, to many readers.' Willie Watts
Miller, University of Bristol

'Together with her previous articles, Stedman Jones' book is
beyond all doubt the best and most complete assessment on this
topic, often throwing a new light on some puzzles of Durkheimian
sociology.' Durkheimian Studies

'Susan Stedman Jones' rich, remarkable book provides a largely
new investigation of Durkheim's philosophical background...
Durkheim Reconsidered recommends itself to the reader for
its wide documentation, method consistency, and clear sometimes
even brilliant style.' Durkheimian Studies

"This book stands out to the reader with its documentation, by
its coherent methodology and by its clear style of writing which
can be described, at times, as brilliant". Giovanni Paoletti,
Department of Philosophy, University of Pisa

"Stedman Jones presents a lively, original and appealing thinker
for today ... Her text is refreshing and enlightening, ideal for
anthropologists, who, as Evans-Pritchard said, could make
profitable use of Durkheim's ideas." Journal of The Royal
Anthropological Institute

"A book worthy of the highest attention." European Journal of
Social Theory