Abstract

This dissertation is an attempt to develop W. B. Gallie's notion of an "essentially contested concept" by applying that notion to "sociology". There are continuous and unending disagreements concerning correct use of ECCs since these conepts refer to highly complex, much-valued phenomena, but it is not clear what it is about the phenomena that is responsible for their supposed excellence. Each interpretation is defended with full awareness of opposing views, yet maintained with a conviction of its superiority. This is the sort of dispute that takes place concerning the nature of sociology. In Chapter I, I examine work of Weber, Durkheim and Parsons, and briefly consider Marx's sociology as yet another perspective on the subject. No core of agreement can be found that would serve as definitive of sociology. In chapter II, I examine Gallie's notion of an ECC and conclude with a description of my own which does not use Gallie's dependence on exemplars for coherence of use of these concepts. Instead, I turn to the role of traditions as the source of coherence and rationality in use of ECCs. The ECC is evaluative, goal-directed, having to do with coherent, complex forms of socially established human activities directed to achieving goals of traditions. In chapter III, I show that "sociology" fits this analysis of an ECC. In chapter IV, I show that subconcepts of sociology are also ECCs, so that contestedness of sociology permeates the discipline. Yet it is not an irrational pursuit. In chapter V, I argue that the tradition of the practice supplies it goals; goals of the sociological tradition give the activity coherence and, further, the debate over its nature aids in pursuit of its goals