Sociological Thinkers – I introduces students to the foundational thinkers whose theories laid the groundwork for the development of sociology as a distinct academic discipline. Designed in line with the FYUGP NEP syllabus, the book provides a clear, structured, and comprehensive understanding of the classical sociological tradition, focusing on both the European pioneers and the evolution of sociological thought.

Each chapter focuses on a key thinker, presenting their major ideas, historical context, theoretical contributions, and critical assessments. The book is written in a student-friendly, descriptive style, with emphasis on clarity, conceptual depth, and relevance to contemporary social realities.

Unit-I: Auguste Comte

Chapter 1: Auguste Comte - Introduction and Contributions (Pages 13-18)

• Auguste Comte: An Introduction - Overview of the founder of sociology
• Early Life and Education - Formative years and academic background
• Intellectual Development and Career - Professional journey and influences
• Personal Life and Later Years - Personal struggles and mature period
• Death and Legacy - Impact on sociological thought
• Major Works and Theories - Key contributions to sociology
• Positivism - The philosophical foundation of scientific sociology
• Social Statics and Social Dynamic - Comte's framework for understanding society

Chapter 2: Auguste Comte - Laws of Human Progress (Pages 20-28)

• Law of Human Progress: An Introduction - Foundation of social evolution theory
• Law of Three Stages: Theological, Metaphysical and Positive - Comte's evolutionary framework
• Importance of Law of Three Stages - Significance in sociological theory
• Critical Evaluation - Strengths and limitations of the theory

Chapter 3: Auguste Comte - Hierarchy of Sciences (Pages 29-38)

• Introduction - Comte's scientific classification system
• Classification of Sciences - Prior to Comte - Historical context
• Comtian Theory of the Hierarchy of Sciences - Systematic arrangement of knowledge
• Features of Comtian Classification of Sciences - Key characteristics
• Hierarchy of Sciences - Detailed structure
• Critical Evaluation - Assessment of the classification system

Unit-II: Karl Marx

Chapter 4: Karl Marx - Introduction and Contributions (Pages 43-52)

• Introduction - Overview of Marx as a sociological thinker
• Early Life - Childhood and formative experiences
• Education of Marx - Academic journey and influences
• Hegelianism and Early Activism - Philosophical foundations
• Karl Marx in Paris - Intellectual development period
• Marx in Belgium - Continued theoretical work
• Marxian Movement to London - Final phase of life
• Death - End of an era
• Major Contributions of Karl Marx - Lasting impact on sociology

Chapter 5: Karl Marx - Dialectical Materialism (Pages 53-65)

• Dialectical Materialism: An Introduction - Core philosophical framework
• Origin of Materialism from Francis Bacon to Karl Marx - Historical development
• Meaning of Dialectics - Understanding dialectical thinking
• Characteristics of Dialectics - Key features of dialectical method
• Materialist School of Thought - Philosophical foundation
• Principles of Dialectical Materialism - Fundamental concepts
• Dialectical Method - Methodological approach
• Marxian Dialectical Method - Marx's specific contribution
• Critical Evaluation - Assessment of the theory

Chapter 6: Karl Marx - Historical Materialism (Pages 66-79)

• Historical Materialism: An Introduction - Marx's theory of history
• Materialistic Conception of History - Framework for understanding social change
• Elements of Materialistic Conception of History - Key components
• Theory of Historical Materialism - Detailed explanation
• Concepts Related to Historical Materialism - Supporting ideas
• Epochs in Historical Development - Stages of social evolution
• Critical Evaluation - Strengths and weaknesses

Chapter 7: Karl Marx - Class and Class Struggle (Pages 80-88)

• Class Conflict: An Introduction - Foundation of Marxian sociology
• The Concept of Class - Definition and characteristics
• Criteria to Determine Class - Methods of class identification
• Theory of Class Conflict - Dynamics of social struggle
• Ingredients of Class Conflict Theory - Essential elements
• Critical Evaluation - Assessment of class theory

Unit-III: Max Weber

Chapter 8: Max Weber - Introduction and Contributions (Pages 91-98)

• Max Weber: An Introduction - Overview of Weber's significance
• Early Life and Education - Formative years and academic training
• Later Work - Mature theoretical contributions
• Contribution and Legacy - Impact on sociology
• Achievements - Major accomplishments
• Major Contributions - Key theoretical innovations

Chapter 9: Max Weber - Ideal Types (Pages 99-109)

• Introduction - Weber's methodological innovation
• Ideal Types - Concept and definition
• Types of Ideal Types - Different categories
• Characteristics of Ideal Types - Key features
• Use of Ideal Type as Abstract Elements of Social Reality - Methodological application
• Critical Evaluation - Assessment of the concept

Chapter 10: Max Weber - Social Action (Pages 110-123)

• Introduction - Foundation of Weber's sociology
• Social Action and Verstehen - Understanding social behavior
• Pre-conditions for Social Action - Requirements for social action
• Interpretation of Social Action - Methodological approach
• Characteristics of Social Action - Key features
• Types of Social Action - Weber's classification
• Critical Evaluation - Assessment of action theory

Chapter 11: Max Weber - Religion and Economy (Pages 124-134)

• Introduction - Weber's comparative religious studies
• Capitalism in Weberian Thought - Economic theory
• Protestant Ethics - Religious foundation of capitalism
• Main Features of Calvinism - Specific religious doctrine
• Role of Religion in the Development of Capitalism - Causal relationship
• Weberian View on Religion - Theoretical perspective
• Weberian View on Economy - Economic sociology
• Interplay Between Religion and Economy - Dynamic relationship
• Limitations and Criticisms - Critical assessment

Unit-IV: Emile Durkheim

Chapter 12: Emile Durkheim - Introduction and Contributions (Pages 137-145)

• Introduction - Overview of Durkheim's significance
• Education - Academic background and training
• Intellectual Development and Influences - Formative intellectual experiences
• Academic Career - Professional journey
• Death - End of career
• Major Contributions - Key theoretical innovations

Chapter 13: Emile Durkheim - Social Facts (Pages 146-159)

• Introduction - Foundation of Durkheimian sociology
• Meaning and Definitions of Social Facts - Conceptual framework
• Characteristics of Social Facts - Key features
• Classification of Social Facts - Types and categories
• Rules for Observing Social Facts - Methodological guidelines

Chapter 14: Emile Durkheim - Individual and Society (Pages 160-168)

• Introduction - Relationship between individual and collective
• Collective Conscience - Shared beliefs and values
• Individual Representations - Personal consciousness
• Collective Representations - Social consciousness
• Functions of Collective Representations - Role in society
• Formation of Collective Representations - Process of development
• Cognition and Collective Representations - Relationship to knowledge
• Religion and Collective Representations - Sacred dimensions

Key Features of the Book

Academic Alignment

• FYUGP NEP Compliance: Structured according to the Four Year Undergraduate Programme under National Education Policy
• University Specific: Tailored for Dibrugarh University (3rd Semester) and Nagaland University (5th Semester)
• Comprehensive Coverage: All major classical sociological thinkers essential for undergraduate study

Pedagogical Structure

• Systematic Organization: Each thinker covered in separate units with multiple chapters
• Progressive Learning: From basic introduction to advanced theoretical concepts
• Critical Evaluation: Each major theory includes critical assessment
• Page References: Clear page numbering for easy navigation and study