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Social Theory
Hardcover
General Political ScienceGeneral Sociology
ISBN13: 9781025991559
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 242
Weight: 1.14
Height: 0.56 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
Social Theory is a seminal exploration of the principles governing human associations and the structure of organized society. In this influential work, G.D.H. Cole investigates the fundamental nature of social relationships, distinguishing clearly between the concept of a community and the institutional apparatus of the state. As a central figure in the development of pluralist political thought, Cole argues for a functional approach to social organization, where power is distributed among various associations-economic, vocational, and cultural-rather than centralized within a single authority.
The text delves into the ethics of representation and the democratic potential of decentralization, providing a rigorous philosophical framework for understanding how individuals interact within complex social systems. By examining the purpose and limits of social institutions, Social Theory offers a compelling critique of traditional sovereignty and remains a vital text for students of political science, sociology, and political philosophy. Cole's insights into the nature of social duty and the dynamics of collective action continue to resonate, offering enduring value for those interested in the foundations of democratic pluralism and the evolution of early twentieth-century political theory.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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