Monadology and Sociology
by Gabriel Tarde
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Description
Gabriel Tarde¿s Monadology and Sociology, originally published in 1893, is a remarkable and unclassifiable book. It sets out a theory of 'universal sociology', which aims to explicate the essentially social nature of all phenomena, including the behaviour of atoms, stars, chemical substances and living beings. He argues that all of nature consists of elements animated by belief and desire, which form social aggregates analogous to those of human societies and institutions. In developing show more this central insight, Tarde outlines a metaphysical system which builds on both classical rationalist philosophy and the latest scientific theories of the time, in a speculative synthesis of extraordinary range and power. Tarde¿s work has only recently returned to prominence after a long eclipse. His work was an important influence on later theorists including Deleuze and Latour, and has been widely discussed in the social sciences, but has rarely been a focus of philosophical interest. The translator¿s afterword provides an explication of the key ideas in the text and situates Tarde¿s theory within the context of the philosophical tradition, arguing for the importance of the text as a highly original work of systematic ontology, and for its importance for contemporary theoretical debates. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
A wonderful book of less than 100 pages. Tarde was a key figure in sociology that seems to have been displaced by those who preferred Durkheim. It is unfortunate because there is a profound depth of insight in his work that is relevant to today's science. The individual and in fact all apparent 'unities' are really 'societies' all the way down.
I was alerted to the contributions of Tarde by Bruno Latour. This is well worth the read.
I was alerted to the contributions of Tarde by Bruno Latour. This is well worth the read.
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Author Information
39+ Works 218 Members
Classifications
- Genres
- Sociology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Anthropology, Science & Nature
- DDC/MDS
- 301.01 — Society, government, & culture Social sciences, sociology & anthropology Sociology and anthropology standard subdivisions of sociology and/or anthropology Philosophy and theory
- LCC
- HM588 .T37 — Social sciences Sociology (General) Sociology
Statistics
- Members
- 33
- Popularity
- 860,443
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (5.00)
- Languages
- English, French, German, Spanish
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 5
