Verified Document

Classical Theorists Over The Decades, Essay

"(Durkheim 1982, pg. 82) This is illustrating how social science is a way of objectively analyzing society. It is different from other disciplines by showing how it is seeking to look at different collective facts. This is in order to understand why everyone will behave and react in a particular fashion. (Gane 2010) (Applerouth 2008) Furthermore, it must respect all scientific principles and be as objective in possible when analyzing various facts. A good example of this can be seen with Durkheim saying, "The principal effort of the sociologist must therefore be directed towards objectively discovering the different properties of that environment." (Durkheim 1982, pg. 136) This is illustrating how social scientists must be neutral in their analysis of various social factors. The way that this exemplifies a theoretical approach is to demonstrate how society can be analyzed and studied. When this happens, a greater understanding can take place of various motivations and causes of different events. (Gane 2010) (Applerouth 2008)

Compare and evaluate the two theories, identifying the similarities, strengths and weaknesses of their theories of society.

The two theories are similar to each other in seeking understand the root causes of various social consequences. The biggest strengths of Marx's ideas are that it is identifying a fundamental problem with capitalism. While the greatest weakness, is not identifying how to effectively solve these challenges other than open revolt. Moreover, his ideas are not considering the impact of human greed on pushing someone to act a certain way. (Eldes 2009) (Wood 1987)

Durkheim's ideas are similar to Marx by seeking to understand the causes of particular events and ideas upon society. Its biggest drawbacks are that some situations cannot be objectively analyzed (as there are other root causes). That will have an impact on human behavior and emotions. This means that select insights could be flawed based upon failing to take these views into account. (Gane 2010) (Applerouth 2008)

Marx is basing his ideas, on observations and emotionalism to highlight social injustices. While Durkheim, is looking at specific challenges through a more scientific approach. The results are that these contrasting views will lead to various insights about the root causes of different events and the lasting impact they are having on everyone. At the same time, they are failing to understand specific emotional factors. That are driving human behavior and influencing society at large.
This is showing how analyzing social events requires having a more open minded philosophy with flexibility. When this happens, select elements of these beliefs can be used in providing a background for understanding different events. Yet, there must not be an overemphasis on what they mean and how they are impacting stakeholders.

Instead, other schools of thought and personal experiences should be embraced to understand societal factors. Once this occurs, is the point that individuals can have better explanations about specific causes and the lasting impacts they are having on everyone. This is when these ideas can influence the way someone is reacting and how they are dealing with specific challenges which are affecting them. Over the long-term, this will provide a more effective approach of understanding the motivating factors behind various social events and the lasting causes of them.

References

Applerouth, S, 2008, Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory, Pine Forge Press, Los Angeles.

Durkheim, E, 1982, Rules of Sociological Method, Simon and Schuster, New York.

Eldes, L, 2009, Sociological Theory in the Classical Era, Pine Forge Press, Los Angeles.

Gane, M, 2010, On Durkheim's Rules of Sociological Method, Taylor and Francis, New York.

Marx, K, 2012, 'Rent of Land.' Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, Dover…

Sources used in this document:
References

Applerouth, S, 2008, Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory, Pine Forge Press, Los Angeles.

Durkheim, E, 1982, Rules of Sociological Method, Simon and Schuster, New York.

Eldes, L, 2009, Sociological Theory in the Classical Era, Pine Forge Press, Los Angeles.

Gane, M, 2010, On Durkheim's Rules of Sociological Method, Taylor and Francis, New York.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Classical Symphony Music, Like Other Forms of
Words: 4834 Length: 11 Document Type: Essay

Classical Symphony Music, like other forms of art, evolved from numerous traditions that, when taken together, formed a new way of thinking about, and performing, certain types of works. Audiences change over time, and certain musical compositions that sound odd or strange to one audience are often accepted by others (e.g. The rioting during the premier of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring). When people think of classical music, for instance, they tend

Theorists of Public Administration Influencers of Public
Words: 1217 Length: 3 Document Type: Literature Review

Theorists of Public Administration Influencers of Public Administration From the theories of public administration birthed in the past five to six decades, the field has taken the best principles and conceptual frameworks yet avoided a theoretical hegemony. There is richness to the literature and theoretical foundation of public administration that is a good fit to a field which is at once both interdisciplinary and applied. The interdisciplinary foundations of public administration

Classical Conditioning
Words: 3531 Length: 8 Document Type: Term Paper

It is to be stressed upon that such reflexes may exist in some species but not in others. According an effective U.S., however, there are still several factors that have influence on conditioning a particular CS applying it. (Features of Classical Conditioning) The Classical Conditioning response is considered as most primitive and primary units of learning and assists the analysts in better comprehending and potentially treats some human pathology. The

Budgeting Prior to the Classical
Words: 1212 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

.. discretion as a practical matter" (1988, p. 78). Wildavsky's was not critical of classical budgeting theory. He was more in favor of the concept of incrementalism that was a vital part of classical budgeting. He felt that incrementalism was superior to other budgeting approaches because it "increases agreement among the participants" (1984, p. 136) and also because it could reduce "burden of calculation" (1984, p. 136). Wildavsky went on to

Comparing and Contrasting the Key Personality Theories and Theorists...
Words: 6049 Length: 15 Document Type: Essay

Personality Theories in Psychology To the layperson, the term personality is a generic descriptor for an individual's traits. However, personality has a more specific meaning to psychologists. According to Dan McAdams, "Personality psychology is the scientific study of the whole person" (McAdams, 2006, p.12, para.1). While different psychologists and their theories have become well-known enough to be referenced in casual conversation, there is still some confusion among laypeople about personality

Operant and Classical Conditioning the
Words: 926 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

To achieve better results, strategies could therefore be devised to ensure that all students understand the instructions provided. One way to do this is to encourage students to ask for help. Students who received undesirable results after their second attempt, therefore, were divided into groups where the first and second groups, who eventually achieved success, provided clarification of the instructions. This ensured peer education, where the learners were able to

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now