Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Sociology
Date of Award
5-2009
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Paul Kamolnick
Committee Members
Michael Allen, Scott H. Beck
Abstract
The famed French classical social theorist Emile Durkheim's academic reputation is based largely on his critical rejection of the British utilitarian tradition and specifically the writings of the classical British sociologist Herbert Spencer. In this thesis I critically evaluate Durkheim's critique of Herbert Spencer's methodological individualism. It is found that while select Durkheimian claims merit continued allegiance, his broader critique of Spencer's methodological individualism must be viewed as logically and empirically deficient. In conclusion I examine the implications for Durkheimian sociology and the broader social theoretical enterprise directed at analyzing and conceptualizing the nature of sociality and the social bond.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Smith, Matthew Bryan, "Durkheim's Refutation of Spencerian Methodological Individualism: A Critical Evaluation." (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1891. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1891
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.