Re: rationalisation and reification

[Louis Proyect <lnp3@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Phil:
>PS: BTW, does anyone know any good books on the subject of the
>origins/evolution of sociology?

This is a terrific question. I have a number of books that explain the
origins of anthropology in British imperialism from a radical perspective.
I also know that Terry Eagleton explains the origins of English Literature
studies as a function of the need to foster loyalty to British
"civilization" in a time of rising skepticism and radical politics. Matthew
Arnold had been worrying about the decline in Church attendance and
proposed that colleges start English literature programs so that students
could develop a worshipful attitude toward the great achievements of their
ancestors. Shakespeare's plays became a substitute for the Old Testament.
Before the institution of such programs, "gentlemen" simply read novels and
poetry for their entertainment, the way people watch TV today. Plays were
something you watched in a theater, not read.

Louis Proyect
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