COLE, GEORGE DOUGLAS HOWARD. Social theory. (Library of social studies) *$1.50 (2½c) Stokes 301
20–7572
The book is a study of the actions of men in association, in supplement and complement to their actions as isolated or private individuals, and its object is to ascertain the essential principles of social organizations and the moral and psychological problems upon which their structure and functioning must be based if they are to be in real harmony with the wills of the men and women of whom they are composed. It is the author’s conviction that our existing structure of society is not responsive to human needs, does not allow of the full self-expression of all its members and is doomed to a radical reconstruction. One of the social theories placed on the superannuated list is that of state sovereignty. Contents: The forms of social theory; Some names and their meaning; The principle of function; The forms and motives of association; The state; Democracy and representation; Government and legislation; Coercion and co-ordination; The economic structure of society; Regionalism and local government; Churches; Liberty; The atrophy of institutions; Conclusion; Bibliographical notes and index.
“On the whole candor compels the report that the author has brewed a few familiar concepts and some scattered observation into a turgidity against which adequate familiarity with the sociological analyses of the past two decades and a consistently observed purpose might have been a protection.” A. W. Small
− Am J Soc 26:247 S ’20 870w
“Very able and pregnant little book. His book must be taken very seriously, not only by teachers, but by politicians and reformers. It will rouse keen discussion and hot dissent. Mr Cole will welcome both. For though his manner is dogmatic, his method is tentative and moulds itself on facts. His French logic has been grafted on an English mind.” G. L. Dickinson
+ Ath p476 Ap 9 ’20 1700w Booklist 16:328 Jl ’20
Reviewed by Ordway Tead
Dial 69:412 O ’20 640w