Description
Book SynopsisThis book sets to clarify several basic topics in current humanities and social science discourses that are badly muddled. The heart of the clarification is contained in Barber's definition of culture, derived from social system theory, that provides us with a better understanding of today's debate on intellectuals and the pursuit of science.
Trade ReviewWhat is intellectual activity? At a time when 'public intellectuals' command media attention, Bernard Barber's probing analysis rejects facile definitions by offering instead a systematic mapping of 'intellectual pursuits,' the richly differentiated world of intellectual life. Intellectual Pursuits brings to bear on some of today's crucial questions a lifetime of empirical inquiry into science, culture, and intellectual activity at large, as well as a career-long involvement with theoretical synthesis. -- Viviana Zeliver, Princeton University
Here is a book for the future. When functional and systemic ideas revive in the social sciences, as they surely will, Bernard Barber's analysis of culture and intellectual activity will set challenges for the next round of researchers. Resolutely rationalist, systematic, didactic, decent, and unfashionable, Barber places a wide variety of cultural innovations and disputes in their social settings. He clarifies what is at stake in sharp contemporary disagreements over the character of cultural production. -- Charles Tilly, Joseph L. Buttenwieser Professor of Social Science, Columbia University
For fifty years, Bernard Barber has been producing sociological theory distinguished by a most unusual combination of sophistication, lucidity, relevance, and plain common sense. It is a treat to have yet another contribution from this eminent practitioner of the theoretical craft. -- Jeffrey C. Alexander, University of California, Los Angeles
Barber provides a lucid statement of social science today and should fuel many a discussion among those engaged in academe's intellectual pursuits. Students in upper division and graduate studies in the social sciences should read this enlightening book. -- Orville D. Menard, University of Nebraska, Omaha * International Social Science Review *
Presents a systematic analysis of intellectuals & culture based on scholarship produced over the last several decades, arguing that it is preferable to attempt a definition of intellectual pursuits than of itellectuals per se. Throughout, illustrations are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the argument advanced.... * Sociological Abstracts, April 2000 *
An established master of cultural analysis, Bernard Barber . . . manages to set straight confused discussions and debates in the literature, develop remarkable insights into the nature and functions of ideology, and demystify a number of current cultural movements, including postmodernism. This is social-science analysis at its best, and begs to be read. -- Neil J. Smelser, director, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavorial Sciences
Presents a systematic analysis of intellectuals & culture based on scholarship produced over the last several decades, arguing that it is preferable to attempt a definition of intellectual pursuits than of itellectuals per se. Throughout, illustrations are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the argument advanced. * Sociological Abstracts, April 2000 *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 What is an Intellectual? A Brief look at the Confusion Chapter 3 Culture and Intellectual Pursuits Chapter 4 Intellectuals as Idealogists Chapter 5 The Structure of Culture: The "High" and "Low" Problem and Intellectual Pursuits Chapter 6 Cultural Tension and Conflict in the Academy: Scholars and Scientists Versus Ideologists and Reformers Chapter 7 The Conceptual Clarifications Made in This Book and Why They Are Important Chapter 8 Index
