In Sociology, Theory, and the Modern Age, Allan designates theory as the center for all modern fields of science and democracy. The scientific method is not only applied to biological and physical but also to social sciences. The power of theory through assumption is not fully recognized because of pop culture notions. Assumptions and human being’s critical analysis of them is the natural process of understanding of the world (9). Observations and abstractive concepts seem to be key components in formulating theories. They are used to explain the cause and effect relationship of “how things work” (Allan 9). It is interesting that Allan exclaims that assumptions are good and important when we are constantly taught that it is bad to assume things despite it seeming innate. Sociology in general seems to assert that natural things should be more embraced and void of social constructions that lead to hateful behavior like prejudices.
Allan’s description of theory takes on philosophical ideals in the book “Through the Looking-Glass” written by Lewis Carroll in 1871. “Through the Looking Glass” would represent sociologist’s perspective. In the book, the main character Alice has her assumptions challenged when she enters a fictional world where “how things work” is reversed. Overall her perspectives in the real world are altered based on this dream world when the cause and effect relationships are switched. As the main character progresses through her dream state, her perspective and control of that world increases. It compares with how the more sociologists observe the world through their perspective experience; the better they can understand reality (Allan 10). By theorizing standard definitions of cause and effect relationships, they can be applied to understand various scenarios. There is also a notion of constant forward movement that Alice must face throughout her journey. This relates to Allan’s description of modernity movement from traditional thought and religious basis into progression and change (Allan 5).
In Lemert’s Social Theory: Its Uses and Pleasures, his main emphasis is that anyone can be a social theorist through analyzing their society and institutions, which construct social norms. His belief of its theory’s necessity to survive in the world leads into the idea that only the most powerful will survive. They survive because they understand the nature of society but are also able to conceal from the weaker status (2).
Lemert is similar to Allan by describing the shift from traditional thought to modernity as a building block of sociology theory (6). This shift correlates with the 18th century Age of Enlightment when people finally started to implement reflection and ideas for change upon society. This was an appropriate time for America to undergo this transformation as they only recent had established themselves as a country. It can be argued that modernity and sociological theory are the reasons why this county thrived so rapidly. With the ever-cThohanging world, adaptation is the only way to survive whether it is physically, mentally, or technologically. For instance, in a traditional world the fittest country was the one with the largest army but in modern times it is country that is the most technologically advanced. A main signifier of this shift was the Cold War and space race wherein the U.S. and Soviets technologically competed to have the first man in space.
Both of these articles define the significance of social theory and how it can be applied to today. Theory is not something that only sociology pioneers have done; the point of it is that it is constantly changing and being tested. I agree that it is necessary for survival because analysis is the only way to learn from the past and understand how to progress into a better future.
Lewis Carroll. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. London: Oxford University Press, 1971.
Allan’s description of theory takes on philosophical ideals in the book “Through the Looking-Glass” written by Lewis Carroll in 1871. “Through the Looking Glass” would represent sociologist’s perspective. In the book, the main character Alice has her assumptions challenged when she enters a fictional world where “how things work” is reversed. Overall her perspectives in the real world are altered based on this dream world when the cause and effect relationships are switched. As the main character progresses through her dream state, her perspective and control of that world increases. It compares with how the more sociologists observe the world through their perspective experience; the better they can understand reality (Allan 10). By theorizing standard definitions of cause and effect relationships, they can be applied to understand various scenarios. There is also a notion of constant forward movement that Alice must face throughout her journey. This relates to Allan’s description of modernity movement from traditional thought and religious basis into progression and change (Allan 5).
In Lemert’s Social Theory: Its Uses and Pleasures, his main emphasis is that anyone can be a social theorist through analyzing their society and institutions, which construct social norms. His belief of its theory’s necessity to survive in the world leads into the idea that only the most powerful will survive. They survive because they understand the nature of society but are also able to conceal from the weaker status (2).
Lemert is similar to Allan by describing the shift from traditional thought to modernity as a building block of sociology theory (6). This shift correlates with the 18th century Age of Enlightment when people finally started to implement reflection and ideas for change upon society. This was an appropriate time for America to undergo this transformation as they only recent had established themselves as a country. It can be argued that modernity and sociological theory are the reasons why this county thrived so rapidly. With the ever-cThohanging world, adaptation is the only way to survive whether it is physically, mentally, or technologically. For instance, in a traditional world the fittest country was the one with the largest army but in modern times it is country that is the most technologically advanced. A main signifier of this shift was the Cold War and space race wherein the U.S. and Soviets technologically competed to have the first man in space.
Both of these articles define the significance of social theory and how it can be applied to today. Theory is not something that only sociology pioneers have done; the point of it is that it is constantly changing and being tested. I agree that it is necessary for survival because analysis is the only way to learn from the past and understand how to progress into a better future.
Lewis Carroll. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. London: Oxford University Press, 1971.