This course provides a comprehensive overview of major works of social thought from the modern era to the 1920s. Key aspects include:
Writers covered in the course include:
This Yale College course, recorded for Open Yale Courses in Fall 2009, was taught on campus twice a week for 50 minutes.
The course begins with an introduction from Professor Szelenyi, who presents a broad overview of the major social thinkers covered throughout the course. He discusses their biographies, key works, and contributions to social theory, focusing on the following figures:
This foundational module sets the stage for deeper exploration into each thinker's ideas and contributions.
This module delves into the life and ideas of Thomas Hobbes, emphasizing the historical context of his work during a tumultuous period in British monarchy. Key themes include:
Hobbes's influence on contemporary economic theories and rational choice theory is also discussed, highlighting his relevance in modern social science.
This module focuses on John Locke, contrasting his liberal views with Hobbes's conservative thinking. Key points include:
The discussion emphasizes Locke's optimistic view of human nature and his impact on modern democratic thought.
This module shifts focus to Montesquieu, who critiques both Hobbes and Locke while introducing his own ideas about governance and social structures. Key topics include:
Montesquieu's innovative ideas on social organization and the impact of climate on society are also explored.
This module covers Jean-Jacques Rousseau's influential ideas on popular sovereignty and the general will. Key aspects include:
Rousseau's significant impact on the French Revolution and modern democratic thought is highlighted, showcasing the complex nature of his ideas.
This module continues the exploration of Rousseau's thought, focusing on his views on education and the state of nature. Key themes include:
Rousseau's belief that individuals are inherently good and the impact of society on moral development is discussed.
This module explores the concept of utilitarianism as articulated by John Stuart Mill. Key discussions include:
The complexities of Mill's ethical positions and their implications for individual rights and societal norms are also analyzed.
This module discusses Adam Smith's ideas about the invisible hand of the market and self-interest. Key elements include:
Smith's influence on modern economics and political thought is explored, highlighting his relevance in contemporary discussions about capitalism.
This module examines Karl Marx's theory of alienation, tracing his intellectual development and key influences. Important topics include:
Marx's transition from idealism to materialism and its significance for understanding class struggle is also discussed.
This module continues the examination of Marx's theories, particularly his concept of historical materialism. Key themes include:
The significance of Marx's "Theses on Feuerbach" and their relevance to his overall philosophy are discussed in detail.
This module delves further into Marx's historical materialism, focusing on his critique of capitalism and the conditions for social change. Key points include:
The implications of Marx's theories for understanding societal development and economic structures are explored.
This module focuses on Marx's theory of history, particularly his reflections in the Grundrisse. Key discussions include:
A closer look at Marx's complex understanding of class and property relations provides critical insights into his vision of capitalism and communism.
This module addresses Marx's theory of class and exploitation, emphasizing its development across his key works. Important topics include:
Discussions also cover the limitations of Marx's model in relation to contemporary class structures, including the existence of a middle class.
This module introduces Friedrich Nietzsche and his critical theory, bridging the gap to the twentieth century. Key discussions include:
Nietzsche's influence on subsequent critical theory and his enduring relevance in contemporary discussions about morality and power are explored.
This module examines Sigmund Freud's contributions to critical theory, especially regarding consciousness and civilization. Key topics include:
Freud's critiques of repression and the balance between individual desires and societal norms are also discussed.
This module focuses on Max Weber's analysis of the relationship between Protestantism and the emergence of capitalism. Key discussions include:
Weber's complex perspective on capitalism contrasts with Marx's views, highlighting the cultural dimensions of economic systems.
This module delves into Weber's theory of domination, exploring how authority is established and maintained. Key points include:
Weber's insights into the nature of authority provide a critical framework for assessing leadership and governance.
This module further explores Weber's concepts of traditional authority, examining its characteristics and dynamics. Key discussions include:
Weber's analysis helps illuminate the challenges traditional authority faces in modern contexts.
This module addresses Weber's concept of charismatic authority, its dynamics, and its implications for social change. Key themes include:
Weber's insights into the nature of charismatic authority offer an understanding of how leaders shape social movements and changes.
This module explores Weber's legal-rational authority, emphasizing its characteristics and significance in modern governance. Key points include:
Weber's analysis provides a critical lens through which to evaluate the functioning of modern political systems.
This module examines Weber's theory of class, focusing on the shift from status to class determining life chances. Key discussions include:
Weber's insights into class dynamics provide a nuanced understanding of social stratification in contemporary contexts.
This module focuses on Emile Durkheim's contributions to sociology, particularly his exploration of social solidarity. Key themes include:
Durkheim's pioneering work laid the groundwork for modern sociology, emphasizing the importance of social structures in maintaining order.
This module delves into Durkheim's theory of anomie, exploring its causes and implications in modern society. Key points include:
Durkheim's insights into the pathological consequences of modernity provide a critical framework for understanding contemporary social issues.
This module explores Durkheim's seminal work on suicide, emphasizing the social factors behind this seemingly individual act. Key discussions include:
Durkheim's analysis continues to be influential in understanding the social dimensions of mental health and suicide.
This module addresses Durkheim's concept of social facts, emphasizing their role in sociology. Key points include:
Durkheim's framework for understanding social phenomena provides foundational insights for the field of sociology, highlighting the importance of collective representations.