Description
Book SynopsisThe Evolution of the Social Sciences charts the development of the main social sciencesreligion, history, philosophy, law, sociology, anthropology, and economicsthrough an examination of the lives and works of each discipline''s key historical figures. Sharpes concentrates on areas of convergence, overlap, and disjunction, discussing the many ways that these figures have influenced scholarly development throughout the social sciences. Written in an engaging style accessible to a wide academic audience, this biographical map demonstrates the diversity and range of inquiries into human social behavior.
Trade ReviewA scholarly chronology and eminently useful and accessible handbook of the development of the social sciences . . . much more than just a reference guide, but a stimulating analysis of the source of all the principal social disciplines. -- Witold Tulasiewicz, Wolfson College, Cambridge University
. . . A very good job of synthesizing broad concepts. -- Leonard Gordon, Arizona State University
Presents an overview of the social sciences and examines the lives of several historical principles who enriched each discipline. * Journal of Economic Literature, December 2009 (Vol. 47, no. 4) *
A penetrating analysis of the role of the social sciences and the key historical figures who developed the major disciplines. This is a lively and engaging read by an experienced international scholar. -- Mary Karpel, University of East London
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Getting Knowledge Organized Chapter 3 Origins of Religions Chapter 4 History: The Recordings of Civilization Chapter 5 The Greek Philosophical Inheritance Chapter 6 The Dawn of Reason Chapter 7 Modern Philosophies Chapter 8 Pragmatism, Psychology, and Education Chapter 9 Law: The Cornerstone of Justice Chapter 10 Crunching the Numbers, Hiding the Figures Chapter 11 Sociology: Sorting Groups Chapter 12 Physical Anthropology Chapter 13 Cultural Anthropology Chapter 14 Economics
