Ideologie en wetenschap: Alvin Gouldner over de crisis in de sociologie

Samenvatting

Sociology is a means to get better insight into the problems of society, & the most eloquent evidence of this is Alvin W. Gouldner's work (see SA 19:7/71F2160), even though controversial & beset with problems, it is of great importance to sociologists. Sociological thinking, according to Gouldner, was inspired by the intellectual confusion as well as the moral disturbance that resulted from the French & Industrial Revolution. Comte, de Tocqueville, & Marx were recognized as the first sociologists. A self-evident axiom for many 20th century sociologists is the separation of scientific insight & moral valuation. If the sociologist can teach one thing, it is to show human actions in a developmental perspective. The present-day standing of sociology is a phase in the development of a still young & chaotic science. Gouldner's work is an excellent stimulation. D. Ridgway.