LogicsofHistory

Social scientists and historians have been exchanging ideas for a while, but they have not had a proper dialogue about social theory. William H. Sewell Jr. notes that communication about theory has been mostly one-way, with social science sharing with history. However, Logics of History argues that both fields can offer each other something crucial. Historians have a unique understanding of how to think about the temporalities of social life that social scientists can learn from. Meanwhile, social scientists have a theoretical sophistication and tendency for structural accounts that historians can benefit from despite their usually clumsy treatment of temporality.

Renowned for his work at the intersection of history, sociology, political science, and anthropology, Sewell argues that combining a more sophisticated understanding of historical time with bigger theoretical questions is crucial for developing a satisfying social theory. In Logics of History, he explores the shape of such an engagement, shows the topics it could illuminate, and how it might affect both fields.

作者简介

WilliamH.SewellJr.istheFrankP.HixonDistinguishedServiceProfessorofPoliticalScienceandHistoryattheUniversityofChicago.Heistheauthorofthreepreviousbooks,includingWorkandRevolutioninFranceandARhetoricofBourgeoisRevolution.