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Idiom of Change: The Future of Social Sciences

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Abstract

The idiom of social theory is couched in a language of transfigurative change, the only constant in cosmic world. This chapter seeks to formulate an argument to unify aporias of social sciences in the post- American world. It is postulated that (1) the sciences of social phenomenon have a role in shaping our future, (2) our past and present approaches have been helpful but pretentious at best, and (3) the search for a unifying theme to reinvent a language of scientific discourse uncorrupted by the dogmas of failed ideologies is in order.

Hatred, delight in the misfortunes of others, the lust to rob and rule, and whatever else is called evil: all belong to the amazing economy of the preservation of the species, an economy which is certainly costly, wasteful, and on the whole most foolish—but still proven to have preserved race so far.

Friedrich Nietzsche, The Gay Science (1974:1)

Based on my paper published under the same title in International Review of Modern Sociology, 35, 2, 2009: 259–270. The author is deeply indebted to the editorin-chief Professor S. Kukreja for his gracious help in obtaining the permission to reproduce the paper in this book.

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© 2011 Brij Mohan

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Mohan, B. (2011). Idiom of Change: The Future of Social Sciences. In: Development, Poverty of Culture, and Social Policy. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230117655_15

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