Part dictionary and part encyclopedia, this book has become the standard reference work on the concepts of Marxism and the individuals and schools of thought that have subsequently contributed to the body of Marxist ideas.
Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy remains one of the greatest works of social theory written this century. When it first appeared the New English Weekly predicted that 'for the next five to ten years it will cetainly remain a work with which no one who professes any degree of information on sociology or economics can afford to be unacquainted.' Fifty years on, this prediction seems a little understated. Why has the work endured so well? Schumpeter's contention that the seeds of capitalism's decline were internal, and his equal and opposite hostility to centralist socialism have perplexed, engaged and infuriated readers since the book's publication. By refusing to become an advocate for either position Schumpeter was able both to make his own great and original contribution and to clear the way for a more balanced consideration of the most important social movements of his and our time.
Twentieth-century social thought ranges widely from the social sciences to philosophy, political theories and doctrines, cultural ideas and movements, and even the natural sciences. This Dictionary aims to provide a reliable and comprehensive overview of the the main themes of social thought, in particular the major concepts, principal schools and movements of thought, and those institutions that have been objects of social analysis or engendered significant doctrines and ideas. Long entries, by a collection of distinguished contributors, cover major currents of thought, philosophical and cultural trends and the individual social sciences are supplemented by shorter accounts of specific concepts and phenomema. Each entry has suggestions for further reading, there is a comprehensive bibliography of all books cited or referred to in the text, a general index, and an appendix covering the major social thinkers with brief biographical notes.
Wolfson College Lectures 1981
Wolfson College Lectures 1981: • Reflections on social theory and political practice — by Ralf Dahrendorf • Social theory and politics in the history of social theory — by Tom Bottomore • Political theory and practice — by Charles Taylor • Accounts, actions, and values : objectivity of social science — by Amartya Sen • Social theory, social understanding, and political action — by John Dunn • The collapse of consensus : ideology in British politics — by David Marquand • Marxism and Communism — by Wlodzimierz Brus