George E. McCarthy Livres

The book explores how the philosophical ideas of Aristotle and Kant shaped the social theories of key nineteenth-century thinkers such as Marx, Durkheim, and Weber. It delves into the connections between classical philosophy and the development of modern sociological concepts, highlighting the impact of these philosophers on the understanding of society, ethics, and politics during this transformative period. Through this examination, it reveals the foundational role of ancient and Enlightenment thought in the evolution of social theory.

Exploring the intellectual and moral foundations of classical social theory, this work delves into its origins in classical Greece. The author presents a compelling argument that connects historical philosophical thought to modern social theory, offering insights that contribute to ongoing academic discourse. Recognized as a 2003 Outstanding Academic Title by CHOICE, it is praised for its erudition and potential to become a contemporary classic in the field.

McCarthy focuses on two key figures, Max Weber and J³rgen Habermas, reopening the vibrant and rich intellectual dispute about knowledge and truth in epistemology and concept formation, logic of analysis, and methodology in the social sciences. He uses this debate to explore the forms of objectivity in everyday experience and science, and the relations between science, ethics, and politics.