Routledge Library Editions: Social Theory: Interests And The Growth Of Knowledge (rle Social Theory)
by Barry Barnes /
2014 / English / PDF
6.9 MB Download
Intriguingly different in approach from conventional works in the
same area of inquiry, this study deals with the central problems
and concerns of the sociology of knowledge as it has
traditionally been conceived of. In other words, it is concerned
with the relationship of knowledge, social interests and social
structure, and with the various attempts which have been made to
analyse the relationship.
Intriguingly different in approach from conventional works in the
same area of inquiry, this study deals with the central problems
and concerns of the sociology of knowledge as it has
traditionally been conceived of. In other words, it is concerned
with the relationship of knowledge, social interests and social
structure, and with the various attempts which have been made to
analyse the relationship.
Barry Barnes takes the classic writings in the sociology of
knowledge – by Marx, Lukács, Weber, Mannheim, Goldmann, Habermas
and others – and uses them as resources in coming to grips with
what he regards as the currently most interesting and significant
questions in this area. This approach reflects one of the
principal themes of the book itself. Knowledge, it is argued, is
best treated as a resource available to those possessing it. This
is the best perspective from which to understand its relationship
to action and its historical significance; it is a perspective
which avoids the problems of holding that knowledge is
derivative, as well as those generated by the view that knowledge
is a strong determinant of consciousness. the result is an
unusual textbook, particularly valuable when read in conjunction
with the original works it discusses.
Barry Barnes takes the classic writings in the sociology of
knowledge – by Marx, Lukács, Weber, Mannheim, Goldmann, Habermas
and others – and uses them as resources in coming to grips with
what he regards as the currently most interesting and significant
questions in this area. This approach reflects one of the
principal themes of the book itself. Knowledge, it is argued, is
best treated as a resource available to those possessing it. This
is the best perspective from which to understand its relationship
to action and its historical significance; it is a perspective
which avoids the problems of holding that knowledge is
derivative, as well as those generated by the view that knowledge
is a strong determinant of consciousness. the result is an
unusual textbook, particularly valuable when read in conjunction
with the original works it discusses.
