Émile Durkheim

Durkheim

Paris

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"But the sociologist's task is not simply to describe such diverse phenomena...He must contrive some explanations, that is to say, link such
phenomena to their causes and determine their functions. He will raise the
questions..."

The Realm of Sociology as a Science, trans. Everett K. Wilson, Social Forces 59(4)

"The first and most fundamental rule is: Consider social facts as things."

The Rules of Sociological Method (1895), 8th edition, trans. Sarah A. Solovay and John M. Mueller, ed. George E. G. Catlin (1938, 1964 edition), 14.

Is Durkheim's "Sociologism" Outdated?

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• Rejects arguments against Durkheim's theories.
• In religion, "individualized" spiritualities are definitive feature.
• Therefore, critics argue that Durkheim's theory is no longer relevant.
• This paper addresses the question of whether Durkheim really was wrong about the collective, yet complex nature and future of religion.