Reflection, Theory and Language

Abstract

I now wish to consider how the problem of the social relationship of major discourses, in particular of cognitive, ethical, and aesthetic languages and the domains they shape, has been approached by social theorists and philosophers. I will argue that the classical sociological tradition of Weber and Durkheim may be tentatively read in the light of the emergence of this problem. This discussion is followed by a critical review of more recent and direct approaches in works by Oakeshott and Lyotard.