Abstract

The purpose of this scholarly monograph is to introduce students of sociology and other social sciences to the theoretical postulates of Anthony Giddens about reflexivity and its relation to the radicalized modernity. For this purpose –attending space limitations–, I first layout the background that underlies his analysis of the transformations of contemporary society with reference to the theory of structuration. Secondly, I address the analysis of modernity made by the author, its reflexive condition and his thesis on the radicalization of the social process. Thirdly, I present some of the main themes that give continuity to his research program. In order to enrich this monograph I have included a selected bibliography of related issues and theoretical debates on the Giddens’ concepts and approaches.

Abstract

Throughout this essay a balance on Jürgen Habermas’ theoretical itinerary is exposed. We review his deeper motivations and questions to see how they anticipated to his mature reflections. It is highlighted the prevailing trends in social science to limit the reflection about the theoretical basis of this author and their possible connection with the subject of reason. After that, we present a summary of Frankfurt School main proposals, as well as a balance of the evolution perceived by critical theory about society and its key problem areas. It is emphasized the intent of this School to build an alternative paradigm face to the emergence of new forms of intelligibility, scientificity and rationality in social science. Finally, we present some ideas whose aim is to open a discussion about the theoretical and political importance found in entire Habermas work.

Abstract

This article proposes to recover an aspect of the work of Auguste Comte that we consider has not been given enough importance. Based on the principles of his sociology of knowledge, we will reconstruct what still is a recurrent issue in contemporary sociological theory, of which Comte appears as its first exponent: the auto– justification of sociology belonging to the “canon” of scientific knowledge through strictly sociological arguments. Following some Comtes postulations in the first lessons of the Course on Positive Philosophy and in the ones dedicated to “Social Physics”, we will emphasize on the strictly sociological character, and therefore circular, of the reasons that he turns to legitimize a science of society. This circularity, in the case of Comte, becomes even clearer as he argues that sociology will allow the consecration of the positive state through the development of an organic doctrine that reorganizes society, based, precisely, in the sociological auto– comprehension of the social. Thus, a “cursed legacy” is formed, since these arguments reappear in any theory of weight as a persistent problem, but also as a need to strengthen the discipline legitimizing arguments.

Abstract

This article aims to show the main proposals of Ulrich Beck about how the technological risks function in the context of the so-called second modernity, in order to expose their implications in terms of new forms of reflexivity in complex societies. We analyze the relationship between reflexivity, scientific knowledge and epistemological pluralism to understand how technological risks, posed with an increasing force, question the authority of science, therefore leading to new areas of organization, conducive to claim various groups excluded from public discussions on scientific and technological matters. In this paper, we try to provide some important elements for analysis of current problems regarding the risks and dangers technologically produced, allowing us to locate different forms of reflexivity in contemporary social environments. Therefore, we want to show the validity of the main tenets offered on the sociology of risk and the theory of reflexive modernity in relation to notions proposed by CTS studies in philosophy of science, specifically based on the approach of post-normal science raised by Silvio Functowicz and Jerome Ravetz, who problematize, like Beck, reflective political dimension of technological risks, however, he does it with a more epistemological emphasis which appears to an interdisciplinary and dialogical horizon concerning knowledge of the risk. Making this junction between both perspectives, allow us in our view, to understand the relevance of the contributions of the sociology of risk and expand their thoughtful routes in relation to other social philosophical fields

Abstract

How does technology interact with the way in which we relate with information, communication and knowledge? The integration of these three dimensions conforms the nucleus of the symbolic ecologies. Throughout history, these symbolic ecologies have been constructed and transformed by its relation with technical artifacts and knowhow, understood as a technological vector. The problem should not be posed over screens as interfaces of more complex devices, but upon the specific relationships of information, communication and knowledge framed by those actually devoted to generate it for the use of those who are not able to do it.

Abstract

In this article, I provide a historical reconstruction of five moments of reflexivity. The first moment is Cartesian-self (western science). The second moment is social-self (sociology). The third moment is objective self-self (sociology of knowledge). The fourth moment is subjective self-self (sociology of science and scientific reflexivity). The fifth moment is complain-self (war of sciences). This historical reconstruction is one of the innumerable roads that lead to a new scientific narrative which is based in complexity, transdiciplinarity, transculturality, and democratization of science.

Abstract

The concept of reflexivity is key within the body of work of Anthony Giddens because it links basic topics such as agency, routines and institutions. A bibliographic analysis examines reflexivitys different uses and limitations. According to the problem about the link between the micro and the macro in sociology, the first part identifies the role of reflexivity within the theory of structuration. Then the analysis shifts to the role of Reflexivity in the production, reproduction, and change of modern institutions. Finally, as means to increase the analytic usefulness of the concept, a proposal for three uses of the term reflexivity is discussed. The proposal also highlights the perspective of observation and the subject of reflexivity. The proposed distinctions are put into play in order to argue against the apparent contradiction between reflexivity and routines. The conclusion highlights on several of the limitations in Giddens’ work and show a few ways to advance with the study of Reflexivity.

Abstract

Classical sociology was built upon three constitutive beliefs, rarely discussed. The first defined the space of sociology, the second defined the time and the third the position of the observer and the type of discourse. All three defined the subject matter of sociological investigation and the way to address it. This paper attempts to do three things: 1) identify these three beliefs, 2) make them explicit and discuss them, 3) ultimately transcend tem, go beyond them profiting from three evidences: globalization, post-modernity and reflexivity. It is thus an exercise in sociology of sociology, understood as a general epistemological reflection that makes explicit (as singular subject) social reflexivity, understood, not as a self-analysis of the soci- ologist, but as a reflexivity of society upon itself.

Abstract

The present article has as objective to establish an analysis of the problem of the reflexivity of the technological forms of life exposed by Scott Lash, through the identification of its central approaches with respect to the concept of reflection exposed in his theory of the doubles of reflective modernity. This is locate the main theses of the author on the diagnosis of the modern society in the terms of the reflexivity as one of its constituent elements, in order to characterize some of the “new forms of life” developed in the global culture of information that, among other things, are constituted by the deployment of the technological systems of computing base. This is intended to provide a typology enlarged about the technological forms of life that Lash presents only in descriptive terms, with the idea of contributing to a major sociological comprehension of certain dynamics of contemporary interaction, taking as a guiding axis two concepts linked to the work of the author: reflexivity and information structures. We review some points in common in discussions between Anthony Giddens, Ulrich Beck and Lash itself on the theory of reflexive modernization, in order to identify the starting point of the author in the description of the concept of technological lifestyles and an extension of the proposed word.

Abstract

Electric Vehicles (EVs) embody a number of technical innovations which have the capacity to make substantial contributions to prominent societal objectives associated with improving energy security, increasing energy efficiency, promoting low-carbon mobility and reducing local air pollution. Fostering a transition to an electric mobility (e-mobility) personal transport system represents a strategic aim of most economically developed nations and is a central feature of the European Commission’s vision of an integrated and sustainable transport system. For this vision to be achieved, EVs will need to overcome formidable barriers associated with structural lock-ins to the existing internal combustion engine vehicle, technical deficiencies linked to EV attributes, citizen preference for proven technologies and the embedded interests of system agents. This chapter outlines how the transition to an e-mobility personal transport system is being managed in Scotland by evaluating the governance structure which has been established to support the uptake of EVs. This governance structure is considered in terms of the strategic, tactical and operational activities which aim to facilitate the e-mobility transition and the role of reflexive governance in evaluating the progress so far made. Specific attention is paid to how the agency of the Scottish Government is constrained in its ability to manage the transition due to the defined authority of the government and the local circumstances of Scotland. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book