The Creativity of Action - Couverture souple

Joas, Hans

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0226400441 ISBN 13 : 9780226400440

Editeur : University of Chicago Press, 1997

Synopsis

Based on Joas's study of George Herbert Mead, this work reevaluates the contribution of American pragmatism and European philosophical anthropology to theories of action in the social sciences. The author also attempts to establish direct ties between Mead's work and German philosophical anthropology. Joas argues for adding a third model of action to the two predominent models of rational and normative action - one which emphasizes the creative character of human action. This model encompasses the other two, allowing for a more comprehensive theory of action. Joas elaborates some implications of his model for theories of social movements and social change, and for the status of action theory in sociology in the face of competition from theories advanced by Luhmann and Habermas. The problem of action is of crucial importance in both sociology and philosophy, and this book aims to add impetus to current debate.

A propos du livre

Revue de presse

"A masterful comprehensive rethinking of the theory of action thatinterweaves sociological and philosophical motifs. Joas sharplycriticizes prevailing understandings of "rational" and "normativelyoriented" concepts of action. He explores the fundamentals of atheory of creative action that draws its inspiration from thepragmatic investigations of John Dewey and George Herbert Mead, butsystematically develops their insights in novel ways. The scope,insight, and lucidity of Joas′s subtle argument are trulyimpressive. This is an exemplar of sociological imagination at itsbest." Richard J. Bernstein, New School for Social Research

"This is a most outstanding book: erudite, profound, andinclusive on a most important subject. A must for scholars in manyfields." Amitai Etzioni, author of The Spirit ofCommunity

"This deeply serious and intelligent book embodies sociologicaltheorizing at its best. Joas tackles the most difficulttheoretical, empirical, and moral questions of the day, and hecomes up with answers that compel attention. The Creativity ofAction is a refreshing antidote to the skepticism about socialscience theory that marks our age." Jeffrey Alexander,University of California Los Angeles

Quatrième de couverture

Hans Joas is one of the foremost social theorists in Germany today.In this outstanding book he outlines the fundamentals of a newtheory of action, drawing on philosophical pragmatism. The work isbased upon Joas′s celebrated study of George Herbert Mead, but alsoestablishes direct ties between Mead′s work and approaches drawnfrom German traditions of philosophical anthropology.

A major feature of Joas′s theory is an emphasis on thecreative character of human action. Human activity is notcoincidentally, but in a fundamental sense, creative. The workcontains new discussions of the nature of human intentions, theembodied character of human action and the character ofintersubjectivity.

The problem of action is of crucial importance in both sociologyand philosophy, and this book adds fresh impetus to the livelydiscussions current in the English–speaking world.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: University of Chicago Press
• Date d'édition: 1997
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0226400441
• ISBN 13: 9780226400440
• Reliure: Broché
• Numéro d'édition: 2
• Nombre de pages: 352
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible