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Social Practices

Social Practices

Social Practices

A Wittgensteinian Approach to Human Activity and the Social
Theodore R. Schatzki , University of Kentucky
May 2008
Paperback
9780521062268

    This book addresses key topics in social theory such as the basic structures of social life, the character of human activity, and the nature of individuality. Drawing on the work of Wittgenstein, the author develops an account of social existence that argues that social practices are the fundamental phenomenon in social life. This approach offers new insight into the social formation of individuals, surpassing and critiquing the existing practice theories of Bourdieu, Giddens, Lyotard, and Oakeshott.

    • Major new application of Wittgenstein to social theory
    • Same interdisciplinary appeal as the book by Michael Lynch: philosophy of social science, political science, sociology, anthropology, literary theory

    Reviews & endorsements

    "Schatzki has produced a valuable and challenging book....All in all an excellent book." N. Garver, Choice

    "...I heartily recommend this book to a much wider audience than might appear appropriate on the surface." Craig Squires, Philosophy in Review

    "Throughout, Schatzki is a subtle reasoner and an articulate writer. His views are certainly important...." Stephen Satris, Review of Metaphysics

    See more reviews

    Product details

    September 1996
    Hardback
    9780521560221
    260 pages
    236 × 158 × 24 mm
    0.536kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Abbreviations
    • Preface and acknowledgements
    • 1. The emergence of practice
    • 2. Mind/action/body
    • 3. The social constitution of mind/action and body
    • 4. Social practices
    • 5. Dimensions of practice theory
    • 6. Practices and sociality
    • Postscript: individual and totality
    • Notes
    • References
    • Index.
      Author
    • Theodore R. Schatzki , University of Kentucky