R.D. Laing: His Work and its Relevance for Sociology (RLE Social Theory)

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book R.D. Laing: His Work and its Relevance for Sociology (RLE Social Theory) by Martin Howarth-Williams, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Martin Howarth-Williams ISBN: 9781317651239
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: August 7, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Martin Howarth-Williams
ISBN: 9781317651239
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: August 7, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This study, by a sociologist, provides the most rigorous and comprehensive review to appear so far of R. D. Laing's work and theoretical development. Martin Howarth-Williams considers that Laing's insights into such controversial issues as the divided self and the politics of the family are of an importance that transcends their basis in clinical psychiatry and that they have a special significance for sociology. Using the Progressive/Regressive Method of Jean-Paul Sartre, the author illuminates the internal coherence of Laing's aims through the various stages of his work and shows how his ideas are shaped by consistent philosophic presuppositions and influences underlying his work.

To give as complete an account as possible of Laing's interests and to relate them to the broad stream of his thought, the author explores Laing's involvement in other non-psychiatric realms – especially politics, religion and eastern mysticism. Material has been secured from a wide variety of recent sources which include interviews, films, TV appearances and the author's own personal recollections of informal talks given by Laing.

In the final section of the book Martin Howarth-Williams isolates the concept of 'Intelligibility', which he demonstrates to be the unifying theme central to Laing's theory and shows how this can be used as the basis for a critique of recent developments in sociological theory as well as a starting point towards a genuinely dialectical sociology.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This study, by a sociologist, provides the most rigorous and comprehensive review to appear so far of R. D. Laing's work and theoretical development. Martin Howarth-Williams considers that Laing's insights into such controversial issues as the divided self and the politics of the family are of an importance that transcends their basis in clinical psychiatry and that they have a special significance for sociology. Using the Progressive/Regressive Method of Jean-Paul Sartre, the author illuminates the internal coherence of Laing's aims through the various stages of his work and shows how his ideas are shaped by consistent philosophic presuppositions and influences underlying his work.

To give as complete an account as possible of Laing's interests and to relate them to the broad stream of his thought, the author explores Laing's involvement in other non-psychiatric realms – especially politics, religion and eastern mysticism. Material has been secured from a wide variety of recent sources which include interviews, films, TV appearances and the author's own personal recollections of informal talks given by Laing.

In the final section of the book Martin Howarth-Williams isolates the concept of 'Intelligibility', which he demonstrates to be the unifying theme central to Laing's theory and shows how this can be used as the basis for a critique of recent developments in sociological theory as well as a starting point towards a genuinely dialectical sociology.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book An Introduction to the Market System by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book The Art and Craft of Case Writing by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Mind in Art by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Marine Insurance Law by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Transforming Environments and Rehabilitation by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Taking Space Seriously by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Nationalism, Democracy and National Integration in China by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Media, Technology and Everyday Life in Europe by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book The Dynamics of Political Communication by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Satire by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Warfare in Medieval Europe 400-1453 by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Women, Identity and India's Call Centre Industry by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Drivers of Integration and Regionalism in Europe and Asia by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book Serving Students with Special Needs by Martin Howarth-Williams
Cover of the book The Materiality of Writing by Martin Howarth-Williams
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy