Exploring the foundations of capitalism, this work delves into the dynamics of class struggle, economic systems, and social change. It presents a critical analysis of political economy and the implications of labor exploitation. The text emphasizes the historical context of capitalism's development and its impact on society, making a compelling case for revolutionary change. Through a detailed examination of material conditions and social relations, it remains a pivotal reference for understanding economic theory and social justice movements.
Exploring the vocations of art, science, and politics in a capitalist context, the book delves into the overlooked aspects of Max Weber's work. It provides an insightful analysis of how Weber traced the origins and implications of these fields, offering a fresh perspective on their interconnections and significance in contemporary society. Through this examination, readers gain a deeper understanding of Weber's contributions and the relevance of his ideas today.
Georg Simmel, as well as being a major philosopher, is one of the founding figures of sociology whose work is comparable in importance to that of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. His writings on money, metropolises, and modernity have inspired generations of thinkers for over a century. In this book, leading expert Thomas Kemple clearly and accessibly introduces Simmel’s sociological and philosophical work, ranging from his masterpiece The Philosophy of Money to his famous essays ‘The Metropolis and Mental Life’ and ‘Fashion’ and beyond. The author situates his writings within his social and intellectual circles and analyses them in light of current debates surrounding urban sociology and social networks, phenomenology and metaphysics, cultural criticism and the study of everyday life. He brings Simmel’s most famous works into conversation with others that have received less attention, such as his writings on nature, art, religion, and sexuality. Through diagrams, everyday examples, and expositions of the work of his predecessors and contemporaries, and successors, this highly readable book captures the innovative spirit of Simmel’s unique method of thinking about cultural objects and his original style of writing about social life. Commemorating the 100 th anniversary of Simmel’s death, it will be the leading guide to Simmel’s thought for generations of students and scholars.
