Form and Dialectic in Georg Simmel's Sociology

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-x

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2. Introduction

   1. Introduction

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 1-14

3. Simmel’s Method and the Historical Context of His Work

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 15-15

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   2. Interaction, Form and the Dialectical Approach — Simmel’s Analytical Conceptual Framework

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 17-46

   3. Simmel’s Life and the Context of His Work

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 47-75

4. Exemplifications

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 77-81

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   2. Fashion as a Form

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 83-105

   3. The Poor

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 106-128

   4. The Secret and Secret Societies

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 129-155

5. Further Aspects and Implications of Simmel’s Method

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 157-163

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   2. Absolute and Relative — The Operation of a Single Polarity

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 165-195

   3. The Philosophy of the ‘As If’ — The Role of ‘Fictions’ in Science and Social Life

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 196-221

   4. Echoes of Darwin: Simmel’s Evolutionism

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 222-257

6. The Contemporary Simmel

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 259-259

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   2. The Overall Terrain and Contemporary Relevance of Simmel’s Oeuvre

      • Henry Schermer, David Jary

      Pages 261-293

7. Back Matter

   Pages 294-328

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This book shows that a dialectical conceptual model underpins Georg Simmel's writings. The book provides key examples of social forms – including fashion, the secret and money – as exemplifications of this method. The volume concludes with a reassessment of Simmel's relevance today.

• fashion
• Georg Simmel
• interaction
• philosophy
• sociology

'What this book represents is an important attempt to reflect across Simmel's work. It attempts to find unity in the fragmentation and, most importantly, it gathers Simmel's thoughts in a way that affords and suggests a range of possibilities for continuing our explorations into his work.' - Berfrois

• Staffordshire University, UK

  Henry Schermer, David Jary

Henry Schermer was formerly an honorary Research Fellow at Staffordshire University, UK. He previously taught sociology at the Prague University of Economics, Czech Republic. He has a longstanding interest in Georg Simmel, and has also written on The Velvet Revolution.
 

David Jary is Emeritus Professor at Staffordshire University, UK. He has written widely on social theory and his publications include Improving What is Learned at University (with J. Brennan et al).

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