ROBERT K. MERTON: SOCIOLOGY OF SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE

Book Details

• Author: Craig Calhoun

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 334

• Release Date: 11-06-2024

• ISBN: 9788131613849

About the Book

“Reconsidering Robert K. Merton: Legacy and Contributions" is an insightful and comprehensive collection of essays that explores the far-reaching impact of Robert K. Merton, one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century. Merton’s theories and research continue to shape numerous disciplines, including sociology, social psychology, deviance studies, and organizational theory. Despite his fame, Merton is often misunderstood and narrowly defined as a functionalist, while his work transcends this paradigm.

This volume, edited by Craig Calhoun, brings together twelve prominent sociologists who reexamine Merton’s legacy and offer a renewed engagement with his sociological theories. The book covers the key areas of Merton’s contributions, from social structure and deviance to the sociology of science, while addressing the challenges Merton faced in integrating theory and research. By analyzing the intersections of sociology with institutional studies of science, this book uncovers Merton's interdisciplinary approach and provides a deeper understanding of his work.

Each chapter delves into different facets of Merton’s theories and their enduring influence. Topics include Merton’s middle-range theory, culture theory, the sociology of science, the ethos of science, and his sociological semantics. Through a diverse range of contributions, this book advances Merton’s intellectual legacy and its relevance to contemporary sociology.

This volume is essential reading for scholars, students, and researchers in sociology, philosophy of science, and related disciplines, offering an opportunity to explore the lasting impact of Merton’s work and to engage with the ongoing evolution of sociological thought.