The Symbol Theory (Theory, Culture & Society) - Softcover

Norbert Elias

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0803984197 ISBN 13: 9780803984196

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 1991

Synopsis

In The Symbol Theory, Norbert Elias draws together three central themes. At the first level the book is concerned with symbols in relation to language, knowing and thinking. Secondly, Elias stresses that symbols are also tangible sound-patterns of human communication, made possible by the evolutionary biological precondition of human vocal apparatus. At a third level, the book addresses theoretical issues about the ontological status of knowledge, moving beyond traditional philosophical dualisms such as subject//object and idealism//materialism.

The bulk of The Symbol Theory was published in Vol 6, issues 2, 3 and 4 of Theory, Culture & Society.

About this title

Review:

`Elias′ work is intriguing and has the capacity to stimulate sociologists...The subject matter of The Symbol Theory is both expansive and deep′ - Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counselling

`Readers will be well rewarded. In its attempt at a grand synthesis The Symbol Theory moves way beyond sociology in any strict sense...Few readers will fail to be impressed by the breadth of vision and the clarity of expression. For many, the book may supply a welcome, undogmatic antidote to skepticism′ - Contemporary Sociology

About this edition

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0803984197
• ISBN 13: 9780803984196
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176
• Editor: Richard Kilminster