Critical Rationalism and Globalization

Masoud Mohammadi Alamuti is Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Institute for Management and Planning Studies (IMPS), in Tehran, Iran.

• Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Epistemology and the Theory of Society Chapter 3: The Theory of Society and The Sociology of Globalization Chapter 4: Human Action for Social Change Chapter 5: From a Closed to an Open Society: Unfinished Chapter 6: A Critical Sociology of Global Order

Masoud Alamuti’s highly original study of globalization is remarkable for its breadth of vision and for its skilful integration of sociological theory and normative argument. His controversial thesis that critical rationalism can lead us to an open global society that is both peaceful and just is a much-needed antidote to the pessimism that globalization so often attracts. Peter Jones, Emeritus Professor of Political Philosophy, Newcastle University, UK.This important book boldly blends critical rationalism with social theory to arrive at a powerful defense of openness to individual and collective learning as a key to conceiving and devising a just order for the emergent global society. One can only hope that readers will resist any temptations to dismiss Masoud Alamuti’s ideas as overly idealistic or unrealistic. If they do, they can benefit enormously from an author who challenges us to reconsider long-standing, but increasingly anachronistic and/or normatively dubious understandings of society, national sovereignty, and tolerance. Another virtue of his book is that it goes beyond critiquing the existing order of interstate-relations, outlining the contours of an admittedly radical, yet arguably more humane alternative. I highly recommend this timely, thought-provoking contribution to an evolving debate. Volker H. Schmidt, Professor of Sociology, National University of Singapore.