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The text is a review of the book "Handbook of Classical Sociological Theory" edited by Seth Abrutyn and Omar Lizardo. The book argues for a new approach to classical sociological theory, focusing on core ideas rather than biographical details. The review raises concerns about this approach, questioning its relevance for undergraduate teaching and its ability to drive contemporary research. Some chapters are praised for their concise overviews and connections to ongoing research, while others are criticized for outdated theories. The book also includes chapters on W.E.B. Du Bois and Simmel, highlighting their contributions to sociology. However, the text points out errors and inconsistencies in the handbook, suggesting that it could have been better edited and proofread. Overall, the book presents a fragmented discipline without a central thematic concern or collective direction. [Extracted from the article]

Examines the meaning of practicing sociology, claiming to "commit a social science" still makes sense. Accepts Max Weber's arguments that sociology clarifies human affairs and is oriented to certain virtues. Suggests, however, that sociology is a passion as well as a profession, something Weber recognized but did not elaborate. (NL)

This paper questions the adequacy of Georg Simmel's answer to the question, how is society possible? Treating his essay on the question as a contribution to his overall sociology, it argues that the "a prioris" he identifies add little to the general understanding of social forms, are neither necessary nor sufficient to make society possible as a coherent mental construct, and play at best a modest role in Simmel's own analysis of forms. Taking a step beyond Simmel's essay, the paper briefly suggests that, if a Simmelian "epistemological" grounding is to remain relevant to the broader interactionist tradition, conditions for the possibility of society as interaction order should include schemas pertaining to social Wechselwirkung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using illustrative passages and comparisons with previous partial translations, this paper reports some problems of accuracy and tone in the complete English translation of Georg Simmel's sociological magnum opus, Sociology: Inquiries into the Construction of Social Forms. Placing these problems in the context of broader discussions of translation projects, it urges caution on the part of anglophone readers and suggests that some older translations remain valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evidence drawn from Dutch policy arenas were used to challenge claims about the erosion of national identity due to globalization.

Ron Eyerman, The Assassination of Theo van Gogh: From Social Drama to Cultural Trauma. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2008, 232 pp. $US 22.95 paper (978-0-82234406-3), $US 79.95 hardcover (978-0-8223-4387-5) [...]