ZETTERBERG/ ON THEORY AND VERIFICATION
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You are on page 1
70
Go direct to chapter1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Go direct toTable of Content
Advertising the book on inside leftdustjacket
ON THEORY AND VERIFICATION INSOCIOLOGY
THIRD ENLARGED EDITION
Here is a concise and lucid monographrevealing how theoretical sociology isconstructed out of research findings, insightsand logic. It shows how theorists arrange incompact structures their abundant number ofpropositions about society. The whole range oftheoretical formats from simple inventories offindings to complex axiomatic theories andsimulation models are illustrated withexamples from the actual practice ofsociologists. The many decisions that enterinto the verification process in sociology areidentified and put into perspective. We learnthe remarkable quality of theory: how itcoordinates many weak and doubtful findingsinto a trustworthy whole, and becomes theindispensable aid of the researcher.This book was originally published in 1954 as atract aimed to lure sociologists away fromwhat the author considered futile taxonomy,vague functionalism and dull descriptivestudies.
Propositional sociology —
systems ofinformation-packed sentences and equationsdescribing and explaining social events — hassince enjoyed notable successes and hasgained much appeal among youngersociologists. A book to win converts to its pointof view is no longer as essential as oneteaching its methods. The second edition ofthis book (1963) was thoroughly rewritten tobecome a brief introduction to the ways inwhich modern social theorists work. This thirdedition (1965) has been further supplementedby a chapter that with much sympathy reviewsthe humanistic aspects of sociology, and by anincisive chapter on the use of definitions insociological discourse.
Jacket designed by Adrianne Onderdonk
[p.
i
]
On Theory and Verification in Sociology
[p.
ii
]
[p.
iii
]
O
n
T
heory and
V
erification
in
S
ociology
ad
Hans L. Zetterberg
THIRD ENLARGED EDITION
[p.
iv
]
Reprinted by permission
Copyright © 1954, Almquist & Wiksell Copyright © 1963, 1965, The Bedminster Press, Incorporated Manufactured in the United States of America by H. Wolff Book Manufacturing Co. Inc.in New York Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 63-13894 Readers of this book are invited to send name and address to
THE BEDMINSTER PRESS
, Vreeland Avenue,Totowa, New Jersey, U.S.A., to receive announcements and literatureabout other books in the social sciences published by
THEBEDMINSTER PRESS
.
[p.
v
]
“We may have many concepts but few confirmed theories; many pointsof view, but few theorems; many ‘approaches’ but few arrivals. Perhapsa shift in emphasis would be all to the good.”
Robert K. Merton
Preface to the Second Edition
More than half of the material in this little book is new in the sense that it was not included inits first edition. Deletions from the first edition are equally extensive; also, everything relatingto definitions, taxonomy, and descriptive studies has been reserved for a later, separatetreatment.In making these revisions I have benefited greatly from comments on the first edition. I wouldlike to thank particularly Professors B. Andersson, G. Boalt, E. Dahlström, T. Hopkins, G.Karlsson, and P. F. Lazarsfeld for their helpful reviews. Parts of the material added to this editionhave appeared in German, Italian, and Polish. I am especially grateful for the detailed commentson the German version given by Professors P. F. Lazarsfeld and H. Wold.It is a coincidence that looks like a forethought that I was in Sweden during both writings of thiswork. The initial writing was done in 1952 at Professor Segerstedt’s Institute at UppsalaUniversity, and the present revision
[p.
vi
]
was done in 1963 at Professor Dahlström’s Institute atGothenburg University. The hospitality and adventurous spirit of reflective inquiry at theseInstitutes will always remain among my fondest memories. In both places the basic question
ad
“How is sociology possible?” was asked in earnest, and in both places I have been pleased toretort that sociology is possible, or at least easier, if it is theoretical. I was rather young andignorant when I first said it, and I have appreciated this opportunity to say it again, and perhapsa little better.The intellectual trends of thought and experiences that have shaped my emphasis on theoreticalsociology might be briefly sketched. In Sweden my teacher, Torgny T. Segerstedt, like manyothers in many countries — allowed emphasis on theory to make up for soft methodology. Myinterest in this issue was aroused when I was called upon to defend this stand in a debate withpsychometricians but found nothing written about it. Later I became acquainted with asomewhat parallel American debate of older standing at Columbia University. The issue here waswhether sociology would advance more by concentrating on theory — a position taken by RobertK. Merton — or by concentrating or methodology — a position taken by Paul F. Lazarsfeld. Ilearned much from this discussion, and here again I sided with the theorists. As is evident frommy book Social Theory and Social Practice, I have even come to trust applied theory as much asapplied research.
[p.
vii
]
This bet on theoretical sociology, however, has not emerged because I have rejected thearguments by the methodologists but because I have fully accepted them. As a graduate studentat the University of Minnesota, Professors F. Stuart Chapin and Neal E. Gross introduced me to arigid methodology based on the dictums of logical empiricism, and here I met the strictmethodological ideas of George A. Lundberg, not merely as the ideals for research I had knownfrom my first acquaintance with sociology, but as part of ongoing research practice. Using thesestrict standards, I eventually came to feel — apparently with several colleagues in America andEurope — that not only my own but even the most celebrated research projects in our field leftsomething to be desired from a methodological point of view. And the whole research enterpriseconducted in this fashion, which too often rendered trivial conclusions with efforts towardsmaximum precision, forced me to question sociology as a worthwhile occupation.In this situation, the call for theory was neither an escape nor just a call for additionalrequirements to be met. It was simply a call for intellectual salvation. The saving quality of atheory is to coordinate many methodologically imperfect findings into a rather trustworthywhole in the form of a small number of information-packed sentences or equations. Moreover,some of the bits and pieces coordinated into this trustworthy whole can be the challenginginsights of the classics of sociol-
[p.
viii
]
ogy and the celebrated writers of literature: in short, farfrom trivial propositions.Contrary to the prevailing emphasis on taxonomical “social theory,” it also became clear thatonly propositional “theoretical sociology” contained such potentialities. This was epitomized inthe motto from Robert K. Merton that opened the first edition of this book. The same mottoremains for good reasons in the second edition, because the kind of theory it advocates has beendrowned by louder taxonomizing voices in the past decade. All signs now are that the nextdecade will understand it better, and that the theoretical enterprise in sociology will see notonly definitions, but more and more propositions, and thus will become theory rather thanterminology.I am enough convinced that this trend represents the future so that the new edition of this smallbook is conceived, not only as a pamphlet with a polemical cut, but also as a supplementary textwhich some teachers might find helpful in training future sociologists in courses on sociologicalresearch and in courses on sociological theory. As a science, sociology has already bridged thegulf between theory and research; this is true both in principle and in the work of several giftedscholars. The question now is to teach students to run back and forth across this bridge. Ourcompartmentalized instruction in theory and research might obscure the connection betweenthe two for the students, and we need to establish
[p.
ix
]
a better pedagogical tradition at thiscritical juncture.
ad
I am well aware that this text does not take into account all, or even most, of the nicetieselaborated by various philosophies of science, and also that illustrations from the physical andbiological sciences would often have conveyed with greater clarity the methodological principlesinvolved. However, in a text for sociology students, the details of philosophy of science are outof place, and many of the points made in works on the logic and philosophy of science have littleor no relevance or consequence for sociology as it is currently practiced. And it is an essentialpedagogical requirement that our examples and illustrations should be taken from sociology.Actually, the time has passed when sociology students learn scientific method by examples fromphysics and other so called established sciences. By now, sociology itself is established, and ithas become varied and sophisticated enough to provide the illustrations we need for the study ofprinciples of theory construction and theory verification. Gothenburg in April 1963
Hans L. Zetterberg
Columbia University
[p.
x
]
Preface to the Third Edition
To this edition has been added one chapter on sociology as a humanistic discipline and onechapter on definitions in sociology. One may take this as sign that propositional theory insociology now is so well entrenched that it can afford to take generous cognizance of competingapproaches. Several corrections and additions have also been made to the text.New York in October 1964
H.L.Z.
[
p.xi-p.xiii
]
Contents
Preface to the second edition Preface to the third edition
1. On sociology as a Humanistic Discipline 1
The humanistic content of sociology1Humanistic aspects of the education of sociologists 3
2. On sociology as a Scientific Discipline 9
The model of physics and biology9Partial and grand theories 14Approaches emphasizing definitions and propositions 21
3. On Definitions in Sociology 30
Terms 32 Varieties of conceptions 34 The ordering of definitions 43 Minimum terms: The uniqueness of our subject matter 49 A consideration in selecting primitive terms for sociology 52
ad
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Zetterberg, On Theory and Verification in Sociology
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You are on page 1
70
Go direct to chapter1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Go direct toTable of Content
Advertising the book on inside leftdustjacket
ON THEORY AND VERIFICATION INSOCIOLOGY
THIRD ENLARGED EDITION
Here is a concise and lucid monographrevealing how theoretical sociology isconstructed out of research findings, insightsand logic. It shows how theorists arrange incompact structures their abundant number ofpropositions about society. The whole range oftheoretical formats from simple inventories offindings to complex axiomatic theories andsimulation models are illustrated withexamples from the actual practice ofsociologists. The many decisions that enterinto the verification process in sociology areidentified and put into perspective. We learnthe remarkable quality of theory: how itcoordinates many weak and doubtful findingsinto a trustworthy whole, and becomes theindispensable aid of the researcher.This book was originally published in 1954 as atract aimed to lure sociologists away fromwhat the author considered futile taxonomy,vague functionalism and dull descriptivestudies.
Propositional sociology —
systems ofinformation-packed sentences and equationsdescribing and explaining social events — hassince enjoyed notable successes and hasgained much appeal among youngersociologists. A book to win converts to its pointof view is no longer as essential as oneteaching its methods. The second edition ofthis book (1963) was thoroughly rewritten tobecome a brief introduction to the ways inwhich modern social theorists work. This thirdedition (1965) has been further supplementedby a chapter that with much sympathy reviewsthe humanistic aspects of sociology, and by anincisive chapter on the use of definitions insociological discourse.
Jacket designed by Adrianne Onderdonk
[p.
i
]
On Theory and Verification in Sociology
[p.
ii
]
[p.
iii
]
O
n
T
heory and
V
erification
in
S
ociology
ad
Hans L. Zetterberg
THIRD ENLARGED EDITION
[p.
iv
]
Reprinted by permission
Copyright © 1954, Almquist & Wiksell Copyright © 1963, 1965, The Bedminster Press, Incorporated Manufactured in the United States of America by H. Wolff Book Manufacturing Co. Inc.in New York Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 63-13894 Readers of this book are invited to send name and address to
THE BEDMINSTER PRESS
, Vreeland Avenue,Totowa, New Jersey, U.S.A., to receive announcements and literatureabout other books in the social sciences published by
THEBEDMINSTER PRESS
.
[p.
v
]
“We may have many concepts but few confirmed theories; many pointsof view, but few theorems; many ‘approaches’ but few arrivals. Perhapsa shift in emphasis would be all to the good.”
Robert K. Merton
Preface to the Second Edition
More than half of the material in this little book is new in the sense that it was not included inits first edition. Deletions from the first edition are equally extensive; also, everything relatingto definitions, taxonomy, and descriptive studies has been reserved for a later, separatetreatment.In making these revisions I have benefited greatly from comments on the first edition. I wouldlike to thank particularly Professors B. Andersson, G. Boalt, E. Dahlström, T. Hopkins, G.Karlsson, and P. F. Lazarsfeld for their helpful reviews. Parts of the material added to this editionhave appeared in German, Italian, and Polish. I am especially grateful for the detailed commentson the German version given by Professors P. F. Lazarsfeld and H. Wold.It is a coincidence that looks like a forethought that I was in Sweden during both writings of thiswork. The initial writing was done in 1952 at Professor Segerstedt’s Institute at UppsalaUniversity, and the present revision
[p.
vi
]
was done in 1963 at Professor Dahlström’s Institute atGothenburg University. The hospitality and adventurous spirit of reflective inquiry at theseInstitutes will always remain among my fondest memories. In both places the basic question
ad
“How is sociology possible?” was asked in earnest, and in both places I have been pleased toretort that sociology is possible, or at least easier, if it is theoretical. I was rather young andignorant when I first said it, and I have appreciated this opportunity to say it again, and perhapsa little better.The intellectual trends of thought and experiences that have shaped my emphasis on theoreticalsociology might be briefly sketched. In Sweden my teacher, Torgny T. Segerstedt, like manyothers in many countries — allowed emphasis on theory to make up for soft methodology. Myinterest in this issue was aroused when I was called upon to defend this stand in a debate withpsychometricians but found nothing written about it. Later I became acquainted with asomewhat parallel American debate of older standing at Columbia University. The issue here waswhether sociology would advance more by concentrating on theory — a position taken by RobertK. Merton — or by concentrating or methodology — a position taken by Paul F. Lazarsfeld. Ilearned much from this discussion, and here again I sided with the theorists. As is evident frommy book Social Theory and Social Practice, I have even come to trust applied theory as much asapplied research.
[p.
vii
]
This bet on theoretical sociology, however, has not emerged because I have rejected thearguments by the methodologists but because I have fully accepted them. As a graduate studentat the University of Minnesota, Professors F. Stuart Chapin and Neal E. Gross introduced me to arigid methodology based on the dictums of logical empiricism, and here I met the strictmethodological ideas of George A. Lundberg, not merely as the ideals for research I had knownfrom my first acquaintance with sociology, but as part of ongoing research practice. Using thesestrict standards, I eventually came to feel — apparently with several colleagues in America andEurope — that not only my own but even the most celebrated research projects in our field leftsomething to be desired from a methodological point of view. And the whole research enterpriseconducted in this fashion, which too often rendered trivial conclusions with efforts towardsmaximum precision, forced me to question sociology as a worthwhile occupation.In this situation, the call for theory was neither an escape nor just a call for additionalrequirements to be met. It was simply a call for intellectual salvation. The saving quality of atheory is to coordinate many methodologically imperfect findings into a rather trustworthywhole in the form of a small number of information-packed sentences or equations. Moreover,some of the bits and pieces coordinated into this trustworthy whole can be the challenginginsights of the classics of sociol-
[p.
viii
]
ogy and the celebrated writers of literature: in short, farfrom trivial propositions.Contrary to the prevailing emphasis on taxonomical “social theory,” it also became clear thatonly propositional “theoretical sociology” contained such potentialities. This was epitomized inthe motto from Robert K. Merton that opened the first edition of this book. The same mottoremains for good reasons in the second edition, because the kind of theory it advocates has beendrowned by louder taxonomizing voices in the past decade. All signs now are that the nextdecade will understand it better, and that the theoretical enterprise in sociology will see notonly definitions, but more and more propositions, and thus will become theory rather thanterminology.I am enough convinced that this trend represents the future so that the new edition of this smallbook is conceived, not only as a pamphlet with a polemical cut, but also as a supplementary textwhich some teachers might find helpful in training future sociologists in courses on sociologicalresearch and in courses on sociological theory. As a science, sociology has already bridged thegulf between theory and research; this is true both in principle and in the work of several giftedscholars. The question now is to teach students to run back and forth across this bridge. Ourcompartmentalized instruction in theory and research might obscure the connection betweenthe two for the students, and we need to establish
[p.
ix
]
a better pedagogical tradition at thiscritical juncture.
ad
I am well aware that this text does not take into account all, or even most, of the nicetieselaborated by various philosophies of science, and also that illustrations from the physical andbiological sciences would often have conveyed with greater clarity the methodological principlesinvolved. However, in a text for sociology students, the details of philosophy of science are outof place, and many of the points made in works on the logic and philosophy of science have littleor no relevance or consequence for sociology as it is currently practiced. And it is an essentialpedagogical requirement that our examples and illustrations should be taken from sociology.Actually, the time has passed when sociology students learn scientific method by examples fromphysics and other so called established sciences. By now, sociology itself is established, and ithas become varied and sophisticated enough to provide the illustrations we need for the study ofprinciples of theory construction and theory verification. Gothenburg in April 1963
Hans L. Zetterberg
Columbia University
[p.
x
]
Preface to the Third Edition
To this edition has been added one chapter on sociology as a humanistic discipline and onechapter on definitions in sociology. One may take this as sign that propositional theory insociology now is so well entrenched that it can afford to take generous cognizance of competingapproaches. Several corrections and additions have also been made to the text.New York in October 1964
H.L.Z.
[
p.xi-p.xiii
]
Contents
Preface to the second edition Preface to the third edition
1. On sociology as a Humanistic Discipline 1
The humanistic content of sociology1Humanistic aspects of the education of sociologists 3
2. On sociology as a Scientific Discipline 9
The model of physics and biology9Partial and grand theories 14Approaches emphasizing definitions and propositions 21
3. On Definitions in Sociology 30
Terms 32 Varieties of conceptions 34 The ordering of definitions 43 Minimum terms: The uniqueness of our subject matter 49 A consideration in selecting primitive terms for sociology 52
ad
Share this document
- Share on Facebook, opens a new window
- Share on LinkedIn, opens a new window
- Share with Email, opens mail client
- Copy link
Millions of documents at your fingertips, ad-free Subscribe with a free trial
You might also like
- Lenski on Functionalism vs. Conflict Theory
- Understanding ‘Theory’ in Sociology
- Process Tracing – An Analyticist Approach
- Social Stratification Perspectives
- The Cambridge Handbook of Sociology Core Areas… (Z-Library)
- Merton PDF
- Hans Kelsen On Constitutional Democracy
- Introduction to Political Theory Concepts
- Review of Anthony Giddens’ Works
- Interest Group Politics (Etc.)
- Revisiting Harold D. Lasswell’s Legacy
- First Principles of Constructed Organizations
- Citizen Participation in Democracy
- Rethinking Policy Success in Governance
- Understanding Party System Types
- Political Theory: Key Concepts and Approaches
- Russell J. Dalton, David M. Farrell, Ian McAllister Political Parties and Democratic Linkage How Parties Organize Democracy PDF
- Neoliberalism: A Political Project Explained
- Castells’ Network Society Explained
- Theory Formation in Social Sciences
- Giovanni Sartori’s Democratic Theory
- Sociology’s Origins: Action vs. System
- Behaviouralism
- Institutional and Stakeholder Mapping Frameworks
- Overview of French Social Theory
- Contemporary Sociological Theory Course
- Understanding New Institutionalisms
- Noble’s Critique of Weber’s Social Theory
- Political Philosophy Concepts A–Z
- Canovan – Populism For Political Theorists
- Weber on Law in Economy and Society
- Political Science Theory & Methods
- Principles of Political Science
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Zetterberg, On Theory and Verification in Sociology
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70
Go direct to chapter1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Go direct toTable of Content
Advertising the book on inside leftdustjacket
ON THEORY AND VERIFICATION INSOCIOLOGY
THIRD ENLARGED EDITION
Here is a concise and lucid monographrevealing how theoretical sociology isconstructed out of research findings, insightsand logic. It shows how theorists arrange incompact structures their abundant number ofpropositions about society. The whole range oftheoretical formats from simple inventories offindings to complex axiomatic theories andsimulation models are illustrated withexamples from the actual practice ofsociologists. The many decisions that enterinto the verification process in sociology areidentified and put into perspective. We learnthe remarkable quality of theory: how itcoordinates many weak and doubtful findingsinto a trustworthy whole, and becomes theindispensable aid of the researcher.This book was originally published in 1954 as atract aimed to lure sociologists away fromwhat the author considered futile taxonomy,vague functionalism and dull descriptivestudies.
Propositional sociology —
systems ofinformation-packed sentences and equationsdescribing and explaining social events — hassince enjoyed notable successes and hasgained much appeal among youngersociologists. A book to win converts to its pointof view is no longer as essential as oneteaching its methods. The second edition ofthis book (1963) was thoroughly rewritten tobecome a brief introduction to the ways inwhich modern social theorists work. This thirdedition (1965) has been further supplementedby a chapter that with much sympathy reviewsthe humanistic aspects of sociology, and by anincisive chapter on the use of definitions insociological discourse.
Jacket designed by Adrianne Onderdonk
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On Theory and Verification in Sociology
[p.
ii
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[p.
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O
n
T
heory and
V
erification
in
S
ociology
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Hans L. Zetterberg
THIRD ENLARGED EDITION
[p.
iv
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Reprinted by permission
Copyright © 1954, Almquist & Wiksell Copyright © 1963, 1965, The Bedminster Press, Incorporated Manufactured in the United States of America by H. Wolff Book Manufacturing Co. Inc.in New York Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 63-13894 Readers of this book are invited to send name and address to
THE BEDMINSTER PRESS
, Vreeland Avenue,Totowa, New Jersey, U.S.A., to receive announcements and literatureabout other books in the social sciences published by
THEBEDMINSTER PRESS
.
[p.
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“We may have many concepts but few confirmed theories; many pointsof view, but few theorems; many ‘approaches’ but few arrivals. Perhapsa shift in emphasis would be all to the good.”
Robert K. Merton
Preface to the Second Edition
More than half of the material in this little book is new in the sense that it was not included inits first edition. Deletions from the first edition are equally extensive; also, everything relatingto definitions, taxonomy, and descriptive studies has been reserved for a later, separatetreatment.In making these revisions I have benefited greatly from comments on the first edition. I wouldlike to thank particularly Professors B. Andersson, G. Boalt, E. Dahlström, T. Hopkins, G.Karlsson, and P. F. Lazarsfeld for their helpful reviews. Parts of the material added to this editionhave appeared in German, Italian, and Polish. I am especially grateful for the detailed commentson the German version given by Professors P. F. Lazarsfeld and H. Wold.It is a coincidence that looks like a forethought that I was in Sweden during both writings of thiswork. The initial writing was done in 1952 at Professor Segerstedt’s Institute at UppsalaUniversity, and the present revision
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was done in 1963 at Professor Dahlström’s Institute atGothenburg University. The hospitality and adventurous spirit of reflective inquiry at theseInstitutes will always remain among my fondest memories. In both places the basic question
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“How is sociology possible?” was asked in earnest, and in both places I have been pleased toretort that sociology is possible, or at least easier, if it is theoretical. I was rather young andignorant when I first said it, and I have appreciated this opportunity to say it again, and perhapsa little better.The intellectual trends of thought and experiences that have shaped my emphasis on theoreticalsociology might be briefly sketched. In Sweden my teacher, Torgny T. Segerstedt, like manyothers in many countries — allowed emphasis on theory to make up for soft methodology. Myinterest in this issue was aroused when I was called upon to defend this stand in a debate withpsychometricians but found nothing written about it. Later I became acquainted with asomewhat parallel American debate of older standing at Columbia University. The issue here waswhether sociology would advance more by concentrating on theory — a position taken by RobertK. Merton — or by concentrating or methodology — a position taken by Paul F. Lazarsfeld. Ilearned much from this discussion, and here again I sided with the theorists. As is evident frommy book Social Theory and Social Practice, I have even come to trust applied theory as much asapplied research.
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This bet on theoretical sociology, however, has not emerged because I have rejected thearguments by the methodologists but because I have fully accepted them. As a graduate studentat the University of Minnesota, Professors F. Stuart Chapin and Neal E. Gross introduced me to arigid methodology based on the dictums of logical empiricism, and here I met the strictmethodological ideas of George A. Lundberg, not merely as the ideals for research I had knownfrom my first acquaintance with sociology, but as part of ongoing research practice. Using thesestrict standards, I eventually came to feel — apparently with several colleagues in America andEurope — that not only my own but even the most celebrated research projects in our field leftsomething to be desired from a methodological point of view. And the whole research enterpriseconducted in this fashion, which too often rendered trivial conclusions with efforts towardsmaximum precision, forced me to question sociology as a worthwhile occupation.In this situation, the call for theory was neither an escape nor just a call for additionalrequirements to be met. It was simply a call for intellectual salvation. The saving quality of atheory is to coordinate many methodologically imperfect findings into a rather trustworthywhole in the form of a small number of information-packed sentences or equations. Moreover,some of the bits and pieces coordinated into this trustworthy whole can be the challenginginsights of the classics of sociol-
[p.
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ogy and the celebrated writers of literature: in short, farfrom trivial propositions.Contrary to the prevailing emphasis on taxonomical “social theory,” it also became clear thatonly propositional “theoretical sociology” contained such potentialities. This was epitomized inthe motto from Robert K. Merton that opened the first edition of this book. The same mottoremains for good reasons in the second edition, because the kind of theory it advocates has beendrowned by louder taxonomizing voices in the past decade. All signs now are that the nextdecade will understand it better, and that the theoretical enterprise in sociology will see notonly definitions, but more and more propositions, and thus will become theory rather thanterminology.I am enough convinced that this trend represents the future so that the new edition of this smallbook is conceived, not only as a pamphlet with a polemical cut, but also as a supplementary textwhich some teachers might find helpful in training future sociologists in courses on sociologicalresearch and in courses on sociological theory. As a science, sociology has already bridged thegulf between theory and research; this is true both in principle and in the work of several giftedscholars. The question now is to teach students to run back and forth across this bridge. Ourcompartmentalized instruction in theory and research might obscure the connection betweenthe two for the students, and we need to establish
[p.
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a better pedagogical tradition at thiscritical juncture.
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I am well aware that this text does not take into account all, or even most, of the nicetieselaborated by various philosophies of science, and also that illustrations from the physical andbiological sciences would often have conveyed with greater clarity the methodological principlesinvolved. However, in a text for sociology students, the details of philosophy of science are outof place, and many of the points made in works on the logic and philosophy of science have littleor no relevance or consequence for sociology as it is currently practiced. And it is an essentialpedagogical requirement that our examples and illustrations should be taken from sociology.Actually, the time has passed when sociology students learn scientific method by examples fromphysics and other so called established sciences. By now, sociology itself is established, and ithas become varied and sophisticated enough to provide the illustrations we need for the study ofprinciples of theory construction and theory verification. Gothenburg in April 1963
Hans L. Zetterberg
Columbia University
[p.
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]
Preface to the Third Edition
To this edition has been added one chapter on sociology as a humanistic discipline and onechapter on definitions in sociology. One may take this as sign that propositional theory insociology now is so well entrenched that it can afford to take generous cognizance of competingapproaches. Several corrections and additions have also been made to the text.New York in October 1964
H.L.Z.
[
p.xi-p.xiii
]
Contents
Preface to the second edition Preface to the third edition
1. On sociology as a Humanistic Discipline 1
The humanistic content of sociology1Humanistic aspects of the education of sociologists 3
2. On sociology as a Scientific Discipline 9
The model of physics and biology9Partial and grand theories 14Approaches emphasizing definitions and propositions 21
3. On Definitions in Sociology 30
Terms 32 Varieties of conceptions 34 The ordering of definitions 43 Minimum terms: The uniqueness of our subject matter 49 A consideration in selecting primitive terms for sociology 52
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