Sociologies (Oct 2024)
Que peut apporter la sociologie pragmatique à la théorie sociale ?
Abstract
This article introduces pragmatic sociology by presenting three main gestures that illustrate the changes brought to social theory by a new general “attitude” in sociology. First, the metaphysical gesture of inversion of classical Durkheimian sociology is defined by the principle of “ontological liberality”. Pragmatic sociology seeks to conceive of an idea of the social that excludes nothing a priori, allowing for radical ontological pluralism. Secondly, the epistemological gesture of delegation, which aims to transfer the criteria for defining what is relevant, just, real, authentic, etc. to the actors. Contrary to the epistemological break defended by Bourdieu, Passeron and Chamboredon, this approach values the restitution of the actors’ universe of experience, including the power to act of non-human entities. Finally, a third methodological approach focuses on selecting and framing situations of indeterminacy, critical moments and contortions for the actors under investigation. This approach is justified by the identification of critical moments when the players make explicit what is fundamental and relevant for them. The article argues that these three gestures make it possible to go beyond the postulates of the “new theoretical movement” of the 1980s, by proposing a sociology that is better adapted to contemporary challenges. The article concludes by pointing out that pragmatic sociology, through its gestures and general attitude, proposes new questions and directions for contemporary social theory, by integrating new entities and taking actors’ experience seriously.
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