Ralf Dahrendorf Livres

This is the first history of the LSE, one of the most famous academic institutions in the world. Ralf Dahrendorf, a former Director of the School, provides a comprehensive account of its first century, enlivened by his own personal insights. The story of the individuals who played a role inthe LSE's history is interwoven with the development of the social sciences in the twentieth century and an assessment of the LSE's world-wide links and influence.

This volume presents Homo Sociologicus, originally part of the Essays in the Theory of Society, featuring a new introduction by the author from its 1973 release. The work explores sociological concepts and theories, providing insights into social behavior and the role of individuals within society. It serves as a significant contribution to the understanding of social structures and interactions, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars of sociology.

The book presents a critical exploration of the societal shifts following the fall of the Berlin Wall, emphasizing the importance of social entitlements alongside individual choice in achieving progress. Dahrendorf questions the outcomes of the East-West divide, suggesting that the changes in East Central Europe signify a preference for open societies over closed ones. He highlights the ongoing challenge of reconciling economic growth with social justice, advocating for the establishment of genuine democratic institutions that reflect these values.

Focusing on Europe's evolution post-1989, the essays explore the challenges of maintaining an open society amidst the search for meaning among citizens. They discuss the necessity of balancing prosperity, civility, and liberty in creating a Good Society. The role of social science in understanding these complexities is emphasized, alongside the responsibility of intellectuals to drive change. The questions raised extend beyond the European Union, prompting a broader contemplation of Europe’s future.

The book presents Ralf Dahrendorf's influential Reith Lectures, focusing on the concept of new liberty and the need to adapt liberalism to address modern societal challenges. Through insightful exploration, Dahrendorf engages with contemporary issues, aiming to reshape liberal thought for a changing world.

The collection features ten essays exploring critical intersections of sociology and social philosophy, showcasing the author's profound understanding of historical context and political analysis. Originally published in 1968, these works reflect significant sociological insights and engage with pressing societal issues, highlighting the author's status as a prominent European theorist.

The book presents a groundbreaking theory of conflict within industrial society, developed through comprehensive analyses of various social phenomena. It explores the dynamics of social interactions and conflicts, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms that drive these issues. Originally published in 1959, it serves as a significant contribution to the understanding of societal structures and conflicts.

The essays assembled in this volume are a thoughtful and lively commentary on Europe after the revolution of 1989. Must revolutions fail? Certainly, the open society has its own problems, not least that of citizens in search of meaning. The Good Society has to square the circle of prosperity, civility and liberty. Social science can help us understand what needs to be done, and intellectuals have a responsibility to initiate and accompany change. All this raises questions for Europe which extend far beyond the all too narrow confines of the European Union.