Durkheim: The Rules of Sociological Method

Emile Durkheim's manifesto for a science of society is the founding treatise of modern sociology: an articulation of its mission, a bracing invitation to intellectual rigor, and an indispensable guide for the practice of research. This new and improved translation, enriched by a stimulative introduction by Steven Lukes and augmented by Durkheim's dispersed disquisitions on methods, belongs to the personal bookshelf of every bona fide social scientist.' Loic Wacquant, University of California, Berkeley, USA, and Centre de sociologie europeenne, Paris, France 'With this improved and expanded edition, The Rules of Sociological Method has finally been given the scholarly treatment it deserves. And the Editor's 'Introduction' - written with Steven Lukes' usual flair and erudition - provides an essential guide to the book's original historical context as well as to its lasting sociological importance.' David Garland, New York University, USA 'This book may have had more influence than any other on the formation of sociology as an academic discipline. Durkheim advances his seminal discussion of what makes a social fact then elaborates how to identify and analyse such facts in ways that still generate controversy and inform new research and theory today. Steven Lukes complements the classic book with well-chosen but less well-known shorter texts in which Durkheim grapples further with the nature of sociological explanation. Lukes' introduction is superb: clear for a student and informative for a professor.' Craig Calhoun, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

This revised and updated second edition of The Rules of Sociological Method and Selected Texts on Sociology and its Method represents Durkheim's manifesto for sociology.

This edition contains helpful learning features to help introduce a new generation of sociology students to Durkheim's rich contribution to the field.This revised and updated second edition of The Rules of Sociological Method and Selected Texts on Sociology and its Method represents Durkheim's manifesto for sociology. In it he sought to establish sociology's scientific credentials and to provide guiding principles for future research.

With a substantial new introduction by the leading Durkheim scholar Steven Lukes, the book explains the original argument and sets it in context. In addition, the still controversial debates about The Rules of Sociological Method's six chapters are examined and their relevance to present-day sociology is discussed. Also included are Durkheim's subsequent thoughts on method in the form of articles, debates with scholars from other disciplines, and letters.

This edition contains helpful learning features to help introduce a new generation of sociology students to Durkheim's rich contribution to the field.