Sociological Reasoning

ROB STONES is Professor in Sociology at the University of Essex, UK.

• Introduction Contemporary Developments in Social Theory: The Right Time for a Past-modern Sociology A Rich and Complex Ontology Analysis and Textuality: Players, Dreamers and Despots in Sociological Research The Pivotal Role of the Methodological Focus: A Positive Critique of Anthony Giddens Contextualising, Floating and Dreaming: Variations from the Sociologies of Politics, Culture and Ethics A Positive Scepticism Towards Claims about Empirical Evidence Past-modern Sociology and Textual Critique Exemplary Critiques of Sociological Modernism I: Comparative Citizenship and State Autonomy Exemplary Critiques of Sociological Modernism II: The Flying Sorcery of Sylvia Walby's Patriarchal Systems Conclusion.

'Sociological Reasoning is the most intelligent book on methodological issues to cross my desk in quite some time. It speaks with originality wisdom to the issues that matter to the current generation of social scientists. I am especially impressed with the way Stones reorganises our thinking about sociological knowledge. His examples draw upon a rich abundance of sources ranging from ethnographies to novels to classical theorietical texts.' - Ira J. Cohen 'An ambitious and important book.' - William Outhwaite, American Journal of Sociology